March 29, 2017, Canton, MI – The Canton Police Department has once again retained its international accreditation status from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The department received its original three-year accreditation status in 2007. To retain this status, the department is required to submit for reaccreditation every three years, demonstrating that the agency has continued to comply with the standards set forth by CALEA. Along with the submission of annual reports, the department must successfully pass an on-site assessment and hearing before the Commission.
Last fall, representatives from CALEA conducted a comprehensive on-site assessment of the department, reviewing polices and proofs to demonstrate continued compliance. Last week Public Safety Director Joshua Meier and Deputy Police Chief Craig Wilsher appeared before the Commission and were awarded successful reaccreditation status.
“I’m proud of this department and the work that has gone into maintaining our CALEA accreditation over the past nine years,” said Meier. “We do not take our accreditation status for granted—we are continually working to improve by incorporating the mission and philosophy of CALEA into all policies and procedures within the Canton Police Department ,” he added.
CALEA accreditation is touted as “the gold standard in Public Safety” and is considered a highly-prized recognition of law enforcement excellence. The Canton Police Department continues to be the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Michigan to be accredited.
Law enforcement accreditation provides numerous benefits to the community ranging from the potential control of liability costs, to a stronger defense against litigation. It also provides an in-depth evaluation of department operations, ensuring it’s running at top efficiency.
Canton’s reaccreditation was granted for three years, during which time the department will continue to uphold the high standards on which they received this prestigious award.
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