Full Notification

NORTON SHORES POLICE DEPARTMENT
4814 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441Emergency 9-1-1  Administrative (231) 733-2691 

PRESS RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
 
(Norton Shores, MI)  A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Thursday July 16, 2026 , to examine all aspects of the Norton Shores Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Marc VanderStelt announced today.
 
“Verification by the team that the Norton Shores 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 Marc VanderStelt said.
 
As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by email.  Comments can be sent to [email protected] Please include the name of the agency in the email subject line.  If you would like your name redacted from the final public report, please specify.
 
The Norton Shores Police Department must comply with 130 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  Chief VanderStelt 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 Matt Silverthorn.  “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”, Matt Silverthorn 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: [email protected]
 
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Media Contact
Chief Marc VanderStelt  231-733-2691