The Marshall Police Department will be evaluated by a team from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission beginning May 1, according to an announcement made by Chief Josh Lankerd on Apr. 15.
The upcoming assessment is part of the department’s voluntary effort to achieve accreditation, which recognizes law enforcement professional excellence. The process involves a thorough review of policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services.
Chief Lankerd said, “Verification by the team that the Marshall Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”
As part of the final on-site assessment, both employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments regarding the department’s compliance with commission standards. Comments can be submitted via telephone at 269-558-0582 on May 1 between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM or emailed directly to accreditation assessor Chief Rick Grillo at grillo@meridian.mi.us. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address compliance with commission standards. Copies of these standards are available for inspection at the Marshall Police Department or online through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police website.
Written comments about compliance may also be sent via email to program manager Matt Silverthorn at msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org or mailed directly to the commission in Okemos.
To earn accredited status, departments must comply with 130 standards. Chief Lankerd indicated that “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.” Matt Silverthorn stated that “the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
If approved for accreditation following this process—which lasts three years—the department must submit annual reports demonstrating continued adherence to these standards.
