Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
GAYLORD/OTSEGO COUNTY, MI A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to examine all aspects of the Gaylord Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Frank Claeys announced today.
“Verification by the team that the Gaylord 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”, Claeys said.
As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 989-614-9329 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 between the hours of 10:00am – 12:00pm. Email comments can be sent to gpdadmin@cityofgaylord.org Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards are available for inspection at the Gaylord Police Department, 305 E. Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735. Please contact Frank Claeys, Police Chief, at 989-614-9329.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Gaylord Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.
The Gaylord Police Department must comply with 130 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Claeys indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”
The Accreditation Program Director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Matt Silverthorn. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. 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 of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”, Matt Silverthorn stated.
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.
The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at: MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864 or email at msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org
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Chief Frank Claeys
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