East Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dec. 12, 2019 — The East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department invites residents, employees and community members to provide comments on the department as part of its accreditation process with the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
Feedback will only be accepted by the MLEAC on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. by telephone at 616.831.7899 or email at egrdps-assessment@eastgr.org.
Public Safety has been working toward the coveted MLEAC accreditation for three years. Public feedback will take place one day after a team of assessors from the MLEAC examines all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services before it determines if the department complies with its 105 standards.
“Our department is committed to serving our community with the highest level of professionalism,” East Grand Rapids Chief Mark Herald said. “By participating in this voluntary process, we’ve taken a hard look at how we operate to ensure we’re providing the highest quality of service.
“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the department, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in our ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for review online and at Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Dr. SE. For additional information, please contact Sergeant Scott Kolster at 616.949.7010.
“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,” said Ret. Chief Neal Rossow, accreditation program manager for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. “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.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which the departments must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
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