Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
 
(City of Norton Shores / Muskegon County, MI)  A team of assessors from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) will arrive on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Norton Shores Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Jon Gale announced today.
 
            “Verification by the team that the Norton Shores Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s (MLEAC) “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Chief Jon Gale said.
 
As part of this final On-Site Assessment, members of the public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team by telephone on Wednesday, July 12^th between the hours of 10:00AM and 12:00PM. The designated call line for public comment is 231-332-2045. 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 these standards are available for public inspection at: Norton Shores Police Department 4814 S. Henry Street in Norton Shores. Please contact Lt. Brandon Poel at 231-733-2691.
 
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Norton Shores Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at [email protected] or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at: 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.
 
To receive ongoing accreditation status, the Norton Shores Police Department must comply with all 108 standards set by the MLEAC. Chief Jon Gale indicated that, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduces risk and liability exposures, creates stronger defenses against civil lawsuits, increases community advocacy, and increases the community’s confidence in the agency’s ability to operate more efficiently and effectively.” 
 
The Accreditation Program Manager for the MACP 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 their findings to the full Commission, which will collectively decide if the agency is to be granted their ongoing accreditation status”, Ron Wiles stated. 
 
Accreditation status is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with the 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 [email protected].  
 
Media Contact
 
Chief Jon Gale 231-733-2691