In a class of their own: UM-Flint police earn unique distinction

FLINT, Michigan — The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety is the first university police department in the state to earn top accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. What does all that mean? For Chief Ray Hall, it means vindication.

“The certification means something that we already knew about ourselves: That we adhere to the best standards, practices, and core principles in law enforcement,” says Hall, who prides himself on the department’s strategic and local focus. He points to the value of partnership, high visibility, community engagement, and technology in keeping campus and the surrounding neighborhoods safe.  

“The best part of the job is when you see these policies create real positive outcomes for the community, whether its programs like Read with a Cop through the United Way or just talking with people and learning more about the community,” Hall says. 

The certification process includes an internal audit and use of proven methods to track performance and improve outcomes. For Hall, who seems to always carry himself with an upbeat attitude, his tone becomes more direct when talking about his department’s commitment to Flint. 

“Crime is a complex issue, and therefore our response to it has to be equally complex,” Hall says. “There is no silver bullet that will reduce crime. It really does take a holistic approach, and when you look at programs like this, it really helps us to ensure that we are performing our best.” 

While considered a campus police department, UM-Flint officers are deputized in Genesee County and licensed through Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. “Looking at ways to reduce crime, you have to reduce the opportunity and the fear of crime. We enjoy a safe downtown because of the partnerships we strengthen with individual citizens who know if they see something, they can say something to us,” Hall says.

After a department performs an audit they must show how it is performing at each level — not just policy — but also streamlined procedures, budgets, continuing training, professional standards for officers and staff, as well as community engagement activities that improve communication between the department and local residents.

Heather MacDonald is the accreditation manager for the department and points out that the professional standards represent the best way to monitor safety outcomes. “These are centralized concepts. They touch on our organization principles that address all agencies in our department, such as administrative operations to patrols. This is a top-down way to show how we are constantly improving our department.” 

As Hall is known to frequently note, public safety really is everyone’s responsibility — but UM-Flint remains committed to leading the way on-campus and beyond. “We achieved that accreditation and a higher level of safety for our campus and for Flint,” Hall says.