The agency assessment process helps ensure recognized law enforcement agencies comply with Michigan’s selection, training, employment, licensing, reporting, and funding requirements, supporting consistent statewide standards and public trust in law enforcement.
The Commission conducts annual assessments of at least 10% of recognized law enforcement agencies. Agencies may be selected randomly from the active agency list in MITN, including review of license transactions and Law Enforcement Distribution records. Agencies may also be selected based on annual registration concerns, hiring or selection issues, or other compliance-related matters.
Agency assessments focus on four primary areas:
- Employee history records
- Comprehensive background investigations
- Active-duty firearms standards
- Training and policy standards
Selected agencies will participate in a virtual pre-assessment meeting with Commission agency representatives to review the process, expectations, and required documentation. Following the meeting, agencies will receive an overview email with assessment resources, applicable forms, and the names of officers whose records have been selected for review.
On-site assessments are typically scheduled within two to three weeks of the pre-assessment meeting at a mutually agreed-upon date. During the assessment, Commission agency representatives will review selected employee history records to verify compliance with required standards, licensing documentation, and Public Act 128 requirements, when applicable. Any deficiencies identified will be discussed with the agency, along with corrective actions and timelines for resolution. Once the review is complete, a final Agency Assessment Report will be issued to the agency head
Assessment ratings include:
- Yes: The category meets current standards.
- N/A: The category was not reviewed or was not required at the time of review.
- No: One or more items are missing or not in compliance. A “No” rating will include either Corrected During Assessment (CDA) or Corrective Action Required (CAR).
The Commission's authority to conduct annual inspections of recognized law enforcement agencies is granted under Public Act 203 of 1965 and Public Act 302 of 1982. Additional authority and requirements are outlined in administrative rules related to PA 203 employment documentation, PA 302 financial documentation, comprehensive background investigations, and employee history records.
