Police Department state accreditation
Out of nearly 600 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, the Battle Creek Police Department is one of 34 to achieve state accreditation; the BCPD was one of just 16 when it proudly achieved accreditation in March 2019.
This process affirms that the BCPD voluntarily meets best practice standards and complies with 105 Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police required professional standards. Within each standard are sub-practices, each of which requires proof of compliance. This adds up to 465 proofs to complete the process.
BCPD Inspector Brad Wise spent more than two years leading the accreditation effort. He now assists other agencies across the state by answering their questions about the process or assessing those completing their own accreditation processes.
The process also involved a public comment period, and on-site assessments. The department modified department policies, developed procedures, and provided evidence to the MACP that the BCPD meets the required standards. This results in agency accountability, reduced risk and liability exposure, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in an agency's ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.
Accreditation requires an annual report, and agencies can renew every three years.
