BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will visit Battle Creek on Tuesday, May 27, to review the Battle Creek Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services.
Although meeting MLEAC’s best practices standards is voluntary, BCPD Chief Shannon Bagley said it’s an opportunity to improve accountability and confidence in the department’s efficiency and responsiveness to community needs.
To achieve accredited status, the department must comply with 108 standards. The BCPD gained initial accreditation in 2019 and was re-accredited in 2022.
The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. According to Lt. Matt Silverthorn (Ret.), executive director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), the assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.
“Once the assessors complete their review, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accreditation,” Silverthorn said.
As part of the assessment, employees and the public are encouraged to provide feedback to the assessment team.
Public comment period: May 27, 2025, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Comments may be provided by telephone or email. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards.
Information about the accreditation process, and accredited agencies can be found on the Michigan Association of Police Chief's website. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Battle Creek Police Department. To do so, please contact Lt. Todd Elliott at 269-966-3375.
Anyone who wants to offer written comments about the Battle Creek Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the accreditation program manager or write to MLEAC.
- Email: Accreditation program manager, Lt. Matt Silverthorn (Ret.) msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org
- Mail: Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission
3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
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