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State Police Seeking Accreditation to Enhance Organizational Performance

Accreditation is how organizations measure themselves against industry best practices. The process, which uses recognized and established standards, determines where improvements should be made and can also confirm that an organization is serving its customers effectively.

For the first time in the department’s history, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is seeking law enforcement accreditation.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, known as CALEA, is an independent non-profit organization that was created in 1979 by the leading law enforcement executive associations.  The commission establishes standards that are considered foundational for contemporary law enforcement agencies based on best practices that agencies must meet in order to obtain accreditation. 

“Meeting CALEA’s more than 450 standards helps to improve transparency, accountability and overall organizational integrity,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Most importantly, by adhering to CALEA’s best practices, the MSP will enhance our delivery of police services and strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve.”

Part of the accreditation process involves soliciting public comment about an agency's compliance with CALEA standards. From now through Sept. 30, Michigan residents are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on the MSP’s quality and delivery of service. Feedback can be submitted direct to CALEA through an online portal

“Every resident deserves high-quality police service and we expect every member of the MSP to strive for that benchmark,” added Colonel Grady. “The CALEA accreditation process provides us with a framework for addressing high risk issues within a contemporary environment and ensures our members are prepared to manage critical events and meet community service expectations.”