EAST LANSING, Mich. — As a part of the East Lansing Police Department’s (ELPD) goal to achieve accreditation through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), a team of assessors from the MACP will arrive on Tuesday, Oct. 25 to examine all aspects of the East Lansing Police Department's (ELPD) policies and procedures that encompass management, operations and support services.
“Verification by the team that the East Lansing 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,” said ELPD Chief Kim Johnson.
As part of the final on-site assessment, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. On Tuesday, Oct. 25 between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon, those interested in providing comment may call (888) 788-0099. Comments can also be sent via email during this time to ELPD Lt. Scot Sexton at ssexton@cityofeastlansing.com. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. Please be advised that there may be an on-hold waiting period for those who call in to make comment, as calls will be taken in the order they are received.
A copy of the standards is available for inspection at ELPD, located at 409 Park Lane, East Lansing, MI 48823. Please contact Lt. Sexton at (517) 319-6916 to receive a copy of the standards. Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the ELPD’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at nrossow@michiganpolicechiefs.org or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.
ELPD must comply with 108 standards to achieve accredited status.
“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,” said ELPD Chief Kim Johnson.
The Accreditation Program manager for the MACP is retired Chief Neal Rossow.
“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,” said retired Chief Neal Rossow.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the
Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at:
MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission
3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600
Okemos, MI 48864
or email nrossow@michiganpolicechiefs.org.
Original source can be found here.