What Do You Think of the Battle Creek Police Department?
Here's your chance to let them know.....the good and the bad....
Everyone in the community is invited to offer public comment on the Battle Creek Police Department by next Friday, Jan. 11, as the department works through a state accreditation process.
An assessment team from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will spend next Thursday and Friday, Jan. 10 and 11, with the Police Department, examining all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Battle Creek Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s best practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation – a highly-prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” said Police Chief Jim Blocker.
As part of the on-site assessment, city employees, and anyone from the community are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. You may do this by telephone or email.
Call-in comment hours will be 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11. Citizens may call 269-966-3640 during this time. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes, and must address the BCPD’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards.
A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the BCPD, 34 N. Division St. Contact Administrative Assistant Cindy Myers at 269-966-3375. The standards also are available online, at www.michiganpolicechiefs.org. Click the Accreditation tab, Accreditation Manuals, then Standards 3rd Ed.
Send email comments to PublicInput@battlecreekmi.gov by the end of the day on Jan. 11, or send written comments directly to the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. Contact the Accreditation Program Manager, retired Chief Neal Rossow, at nrossow@michiganpolicechiefs.org, or write to Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 3474 Alaiedon Parkway, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.
The BCPD must comply with 105 standards to achieve accredited status. This results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.
The assessment team is composed of law enforcement officials from similar Michigan agencies.
“The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Rossow said. “Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full (Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation) Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
Accreditation is valid for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports proving their continued compliance with the accreditation standards.
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