Allen Park Police Department is expected to receive accreditation from the state in mid-September ensuring the agency uses industry best practices from the smallest details, like building tweaks to the biggest issues, including use of force.
The recognition comes from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Commission assessors, who verified in mid-August that standards were implemented and the agency is in compliance, said APPD Chief Chris Egan.
“Earning the accreditation forced us to look at every aspect of what we do,” said Egan, who worked with an accreditation team that included Manager Bill Mehall, Det. Lt. Eron Feltz, Sgt. Eric Jablonski and civilian data information specialist Sydni Uhlenberg.
Changes spanned the gamut, from adding fire extinguishers to updating a bond receipt process, which replaced an antiquated metal box that held bond receipts, to installing a new safe that requires two people to open, and improving accountability.
In an effort to build rapport with the community, the department also beefed-up feedback programs to address positive and negative interactions with officers. Additionally, use of force and other sensitive cases now require multiple people in the department to review and weigh in. Another big step forward, Egan said, was revamping officer performance evaluations.
“We were behind the times for some things but policing in general has changed,” Egan said. “Sometimes we find a training issue or a policy that needs to be updated. Some policies were 10 to 30 years old.”
On the other hand, MLEA reviewers learned about APPD programs that are innovative, are on the cutting edge and should be suggested to other departments. For instance, they especially liked the Friends in Low Places plan that gets people in need immediate help, Egan said.
AAPD joins the ranks of 83 Michigan agencies that have been accredited by the MLEA.
“It shows we have the highest standards available,” Egan said, adding the department was expected to formally receive the accreditation in mid-September after deadline for this story.
Reviewers of the nearly two-year accreditation review process looked at 115 standards and the department provided 415 proofs that these criterium were met.
While accreditation won’t ensure mistake-free policing, a crime-free environment or an absence of litigation against agencies and executives, it will put the agency in a better position to defend its actions against lawsuits, according to a written statement by accreditation program director Ron Wiles.
Over time, the accreditation is also expected to help lower police department insurance rates, because agencies are armed with proof that best practice policies are in place and are expected to be followed.
The APPD accreditation review process officially began in January 2023, but the policies and procedures, equipment upgrades, software improvements, and even the police department building have been revamped the last four years, Egan said, adding that the accreditation process was an opportunity to get organized. The agency must submit additional reports to maintain the recognition in three years.
“This will keep our police department successful for the next 100 years,” Egan said.
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