(COLDWATER) – The Coldwater Police Department is undergoing a re-accreditation inspection.

Coldwater Director of Pubic Safety Joe Scheid says a team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on July 28 to examine all aspects of the Coldwater Police Department’s policies
and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Scheid says verification by the team that the Coldwater Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, which is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.

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 telephone or email. The public may call (517) 278-3855 on Monday, July 28, between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Email comments may be sent to ttaylor@coldwater.org.

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 the standards are available for inspection at the Coldwater Police Department. Please contact Deputy Chief Patrick Beeman at (517) 278-4525.

The Coldwater Police Department must comply with 108 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Scheid says 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.

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.