The Mar-Mac Police Department is proud to announce its official accreditation through the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP), awarded on May 21, 2025. This significant achievement marks the Department’s dedication to professional excellence, accountability, and adherence to contemporary law enforcement best practices.
In 2023, the Iowa Police Chiefs Association and the Iowa Sheriffs and Deputies Association jointly developed ILEAP in response to Iowa being one of approximately a dozen states without a state-level accreditation program for law enforcement. The initiative received funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and Retired Chief of Police Michael Venema was appointed as the ILEAP Director in July 2024 to lead the program’s implementation.
Purpose of Accreditation:
ILEAP is a voluntary program that serves three primary objectives:
- Establish and Maintain Standards: Agencies must demonstrate alignment with current, nationally accepted professional law enforcement practices.
- Increase Effectiveness and Efficiency: Departments are assessed on their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services.
- Reduce Liability: Policies and procedures are evaluated to minimize legal exposure for agencies and personnel.
Accreditation is Common Across Professions:
Similar to hospitals, universities, and financial institutions, accreditation provides law enforcement agencies with an external validation of operational integrity and procedural soundness.
ILEAP Goals and Benefits:
The goals of ILEAP accreditation are multifaceted and include:
- Recognition of Professional Excellence
- Formalization of Essential Management Procedures
- Improved Service Delivery
- Enhanced Confidence Among Staff
- Increased Community Trust
Participating agencies benefit from:
- An Independent Endorsement of agency practices
- Reduced Exposure to Litigation
- Potential Insurance Cost Savings
- Greater Awareness of Operational Directives
- Public Confidence in Department Transparency and Integrity
Significance for the Mar-Mac Police Department:
By achieving ILEAP accreditation, the Mar-Mac Police Department has:
- Demonstrated compliance with a rigorous set of written standards.
- Voluntarily undergone an external audit and peer review.
- Solidified its commitment to continuous improvement and public accountability.
- Earned formal recognition as one of the leading law enforcement agencies in the State of Iowa.
The Department’s successful accreditation underscores its leadership in advancing modern policing practices and its unwavering commitment to public service.
