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HOUGHTON - The city of Houghton Police Department is seeking public comment during its accreditation process, Chief Donnelly said in a Friday statement. An assessment team from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive in Houghton on Friday, July 31. The team will examine all aspects of the Houghton department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. To achieve accreditation, the department must be determined to be in compliance with 130 MLEAC standards.
Donnelly said accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, as well as more confidence in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.
Polly Salmi, administrative assistant at the police dept. said accreditation is significant for a number of reasons.
"An accredited department has more opportunities for grants and things like that," she said. "But it also holds us to a higher standard that we have to follow."
Salmi said accreditation also increases community trust. To remain accredited, agencies must actively invite public comment. They must also submit hundreds of verified proofs of compliance each year, proving operations are transparent.
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.
Matt Silverton, accreditation program director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, said 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," Silverton said. "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
Approximately 10% of Michigan police departments have been accredited through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. The Houghton Police Department is one of only two accredited departments in the Upper Peninsula, along with the city of Marquette Police Department. Houghton was initially accredited for the first time on September 27, 2023.
Accreditation takes several years to complete, and every officer participates, according to the MLEAC. Law enforcement must complete a checklist of nearly 800 tasks before bringing in the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police to evaluate the department and its processes. Officials say accreditation is a promise by the police department to its residents to uphold themselves to the highest professional standards.