Accreditation
Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation CommissionAccredited by MLEAC in 2021 and reaccredited in 2024, the department maintains compliance with 130 standards and reviews all 178 policies every year.
2021
Initial Accreditation
2024
Reaccreditation
130
MLEAC Standards in Compliance
178
Policies Reviewed Annually
About the Accreditation
The Chesterfield Township Police Department was awarded accreditation status in 2021 and reaccreditation in 2024. It is one of 92 agencies in Michigan accredited by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC). Accreditation means an outside body has verified that the department's written policies meet professional standards and that officers actually follow them in practice.
Accreditation results in greater accountability, reduced risk and liability exposure, a stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased consumer advocacy and more confidence in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs. It is not a one-time achievement. It requires ongoing internal monitoring by department personnel as well as review and inspection by MLEAC state assessors.
To maintain accredited status, the department must remain in compliance with all 130 MLEAC standards unless a standard does not apply. All 178 department policies are reviewed annually to keep up with legal requirements, accreditation standards and required training, and the department submits annual reports attesting to continued compliance and explaining any difficulties and how they were resolved.
On July 1, 2024, the department began another three-year reaccreditation process. Each year it completes documented summaries and analyses of all use of force incidents, motor vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, internal affairs investigations, employee collisions and employee injuries. These analyses help recognize patterns or trends so administration can address potential issues before they grow.
Responsibilities
- Maintain compliance with all 130 MLEAC standards
- Review all 178 department policies every year
- Submit annual compliance reports and proofs to MLEAC
- Complete annual analyses of use of force, pursuits, internal affairs, employee collisions and employee injuries
- Prepare for on-site assessment by MLEAC state assessors
- Audit the Property Room quarterly and inventory it annually
Benefits of Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process, and the department pursues it because the discipline it requires makes the agency better for the people it serves.
- Greater accountability and transparency in department operations
- Reduced risk and liability exposure for the department and the township
- Stronger defense against civil lawsuits through documented compliance
- Increased public confidence in the agency's ability to operate efficiently
- Policies and procedures that reflect current legal requirements
- Continuous professional development and best practices
- A recognized benchmark of quality among Michigan law enforcement agencies
What the Three-Year Cycle Requires
The reaccreditation cycle that began July 1, 2024, runs three years and ends with an on-site assessment by MLEAC state assessors. Along the way the department must document its compliance continuously rather than at a single point in time: the yearly proofs, policy review, reports and analyses listed under responsibilities, backed by ongoing internal monitoring by department personnel. Annual reports to MLEAC also have to disclose any changes or difficulties and the actions taken to resolve non-compliance.
2025 Use of Force Review
In 2025 the department received 22,351 emergency calls and 49,278 non-emergency calls, resulting in 35,202 calls for service. Officers had contact with 38,362 individuals and arrested 1,106. There were 75 use of force reports, ranging from health and safety petitions to arrests for violent crimes, which is 0.19% of all contacts.
Physical controls were the most common type of force, used in 48 incidents, followed by restraint devices in 43. Firearms were displayed 26 times, 15 of them during felony stops. Three suspects and five officers reported some type of injury. There were no incidents of deadly force in 2024 or 2025, and the review found no issues with policy, training or equipment and no discipline related to force.
By the Numbers
Accreditation Activity
| Year | Police Contacts | Arrests | Use of Force | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 23,095 | 1,057 | 57 | 7 |
| 2023 | 39,845 | 944 | 55 | 2 |
| 2024 | 36,219 | 1,049 | 74 | 7 |
| 2025 | 38,362 | 1,106 | 75 | 8 |
Accreditation Staff
Sara Lebron
Accreditation Manager / Administrative Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLEAC accreditation?
The Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission reviews agencies against 130 professional standards covering policy, training, operations and accountability. Chesterfield Township was accredited in 2021 and reaccredited in 2024, one of 92 accredited agencies in Michigan.
How often does the department have to be reviewed?
Accreditation runs on a three-year cycle. The current cycle began July 1, 2024, and requires annual proofs, annual reports and a review by MLEAC state assessors.
How often is use of force used?
In 2025 officers documented 75 uses of force out of 38,362 contacts, or 0.19%. There were no incidents of deadly force in 2024 or 2025.
Is the fire department accredited too?
Yes. In August 2026 the Chesterfield Township Fire Department earned international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) after meeting more than 250 criteria. It is the first fire department in Macomb County with CFAI Accredited Agency status, joining Grand Rapids, Canton Township and Metro Airport as the only accredited fire agencies in Michigan. That makes the Department of Public Safety accredited on both the police and fire sides.