Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MLEAP)

What Is MLEAP Accreditation?

The Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MLEAP) is an opportunity for police agencies in Maine to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and compliance with the highest standards in law enforcement. These standards, developed by Maine Law Enforcement professionals, are designed to help agencies effectively serve their communities and protect individuals’ rights.

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.

Why Seek MLEAP Accreditation?

Accreditation is a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies seeking to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence and accountability. The Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MLEAP) is a comprehensive program that sets the standard for law enforcement in Maine. MLEAP provides state-of-the-art standards, training for accreditation managers and on-site assessors, and triennial on-site assessments to help agencies meet and maintain these standards.

By achieving accreditation, agencies can earn credibility and confidence, reduce risk and liability exposure, and show their commitment to their communities and profession. These benefits are particularly important in today’s climate, where law enforcement agencies are under increasing scrutiny and the public demands transparency and accountability. By demonstrating their dedication to meeting the highest standards in the field, accredited agencies can set themselves apart as among the very best in law enforcement.

MLEAP Accreditation Process

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 MLEAP Accreditation

Agencies that are interested in obtaining or starting the accreditation process should contact our Law Enforcement Services Manager using the form below.

List of MLEAP Accredited Agencies

  1. Augusta
  2. Bath
  3. Berwick
  4. Boothbay Harbor
  5. Brewer
  6. Brunswick
  7. Eliot
  8. Ellsworth
  9. Falmouth
  10. Farmington
  11. Gorham
  12. Jay
  13. Kennebunk
  14. Old Town
  15. Somerset County
  16. South Berwick
  17. Westbrook
  18. Yarmouth
  19. York County

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