The Warren Police Department retains its accreditation

WARREN – The Warren Police Department was reaccredited by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission in September, remaining the largest police department in the state to receive the award from that organization.

Warren Police Department Captain Paul Houtos and his team, representing all divisions of the department, led the reaccreditation process.

“The reaccreditation process is just as complex as the initial accreditation,” said a press release from the Warren Police Department.

According to the release, the Warren Police Reaccreditation Team conducted a review of all department operations and procedures to determine where improvements were needed. Policies and procedures have been updated to reflect current accreditation best practice standards established by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Residents participated in the process by expressing their views on the Warren Police Department in the community feedback portion of the review.

“The resident feedback forum allowed MLEAC evaluators to hear Warren residents’ overwhelmingly positive opinions of their police department,” the release said.

In addition, assessors conducted a two-day on-site evaluation at the department to ensure all of their standards were met. A final report was subsequently submitted by Houtos and the Warren Police Department was granted reaccreditation status at the accreditation conference.

“We are very proud of the continued development with police accreditation. It is a commitment to continuous improvement and I believe this is their second renewal. So this is the third time they’ve gone through this process,” said Warren Mayor Lori Stone.

The Warren Police Department received accreditation for the first time under the leadership of former Warren Police Commission William Dwyer, who said the accreditation strengthens the public’s trust in the police department, helps defend against lawsuits and demonstrates the excellence and professionalism of the men and women in blue at the Warren Police Department.

Acting Commissioner Charles Rushton said in a press release: “I would like to recognize the efforts of Captain Paul Houtos, who has overseen the reaccreditation process from the beginning.” Achieving status as a reaccredited agency demonstrates the standards to which the men and women adhere in this department on a daily basis. We are committed to providing the best possible service to Warren residents across all areas of the department.”