What Is Accreditation?
→ Accessible and affordable to any Maine law enforcement agency
→ A proven method of providing the tools necessary for agencies to evaluate and improve their overall performance that is reasonable and cost effective
→ Available to MCOPA member agencies and has a three year cycle
Why Seek Accreditation?
Accreditation is proof that a law enforcement agency is meeting & maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence & accountability.
CREDIBILITY is the most significant and tangible benefit of accreditation. Show that your agency is transparent, above reproach, and among the very best in law enforcement.
CONFIDENCE. Elected officials and city management can support a department that demonstrates professional excellence.
REDUCED RISK & LIABILITY exposure is another very real benefit of accreditation. Police departments represent significant exposure in terms of insurance claims, liability, and civil litigation. Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves, often seeing fewer legal actions taken against them.
Accreditation sends a message to all citizens of Maine that we are committed to our communities and our profession, and that Maine law enforcement agencies are among the best in the country.
MLEAP Accreditation
The MLEAP program is managed by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) in partnership with Dirigo Safety, LLC, and is overseen by a committee of CLEOs and other executive-level sworn members of the MCOPA. This committee reviews agencies’ efforts and awards “accredited” status to those that meet the program’s standards. By participating in MLEAP, agencies can show their dedication to meeting their professional obligations to the citizens of Maine.
There are four levels of MLEAP accreditation, from initial commitment to hands on training and assessment. To start this process we encourage you to reach out to our team using the form below and take a look at the MLEAP Accreditation Application.
MLEAP Level 1
Level One requires officers to review and sign off on policies and directives from the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Dirigo Safety offers this initial education available electronically.
MLEAP Level 2
Level Two focuses on training individual officers on a range of relevant topics, typically through our online classes. This includes MCJA mandated training and training to ensure comprehension of policies and standards.
MLEAP Level 3
Level Three is classroom-based training on topics like leadership, investigation techniques, and other courses required for specialized assignments and promotions. These courses are taught in-person.
MLEAP Level 4
Level Four training involves hands-on activities such as firearms training, defensive tactics, and recruit classes, in which individuals must show proficiency.
How to Get Started with Accreditation
Agencies that are interested in obtaining or starting the accreditation process should contact us using the form below.
MLEAP Form
MLEAP Testimonials
I am writing this letter in support of Dirigo Safety, LLC in recognition of the excellent training programs they currently provide to law enforcement in the State of Maine, as well as their management of the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
Approximately six years ago a committee of Maine law enforcement administrators were assembled to establish a state accreditation program under the auspices of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. Once the program was established it was slow to develop and we realized we needed someone to manage the program.
In 2020 the association issued an RFP to manage the program from which Dirigo Safety, LLC was selected and awarded the contract. Since the award of the contract in September of 2020 the program has blossomed with eight departments currently accredited and a number of agencies in the final stages of preparation for their assessment.
While Dirigo Safety, LLC works under the guidance of the MLEAP Committee they are the ones who have organized and trained the assessors, interacted with the chief of a department preparing for their assessment, and then coordinated the assessment.
– Executive Director of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, Edward J. Tolan
