A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Thursday, May 9, 2024, to examine all aspects of the Big Rapids Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Danielle Haynes announced yesterday.

“Verification by the team that the Big Rapids 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”, Chief Haynes said.

As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 231-527-0018 on May 10, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Email comments can be sent to brpdcomments2024@bigrapidsdps.org.

Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, 435 N. Michigan Ave. Please contact Sgt. Liz West, Accreditation Manager at 231-527-0005 ext. 1218.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Big Rapids Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at rwiles@michiganpolicechiefs.org or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Big Rapids Police Department must comply with 108 standards to achieve accredited status. Chief Haynes indicated, “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.”

The Accreditation Program Director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Chief Ron Wiles (Ret.). “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”, Ron Wiles stated.

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 at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864, or email at rwiles@michiganpolicechiefs.org.

Please contact Officer William Sell with any questions. He can be reached at 231-527-0005 ext. 1036 or wsell@bigrapidsdps.org.