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PAGE 6 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN May 28, 2020

WESTLAND
WESTLAND

Police

FROM PAGE 1

evaluation of their organization and then
implement the necessary policy and pro-
cedure changes. The process does not
stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing
to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency
commits to an ongoing review of adher-
ence to CALEA standards. Each commu-
nity with CALEA accredited agencies
should feel confident that their public
safety organization is going above and
beyond and operating under the highest
standards in public safety.”
“I want to commend Police Chief Jeff
Jeff Jedrusik and the entire Westland
Police Department on this incredible
accomplishment,” commented Mayor
William R. Wild. “Certification is
extremely difficult to achieve and main-
taining that certification for four years is a
testament to the dedication and profes-
sionalism of the department.”
City officials said the accreditation
includes many benefits to the entire com- © 2020 Google
munity, including controlled liability ing the chief executive officer a proven The award also improves employee equipment to ensure employee safety;
insurance costs. management system of written directives, morale as it is a coveted designation that and processes to safeguard employee
“Accredited status makes it easier for sound training, clearly defined lines of symbolizes professionalism, excellence, rights. Employees take pride in their
agencies to purchase liability insurance; authority, and routine reports that support and competence. It requires written direc- agency, knowing it represents the very
allows agencies to increase the limit of decision making and resource allocation. tives and training to inform employees best in public safety, the statement con-
their insurance coverage more easily; The designation has staunch support about policies and practices; facilities and cluded.
and, in many cases, results in lower pre- from government officials and
miums,” they noted in a prepared state- Accreditation provides objective evidence
ment. of a commitment to excellence in leader-
In addition, the accreditation carries ship, resource management, and service-
with it a stronger defense against lawsuits delivery. The CALEA accreditation also
and citizen complaints, they said. increases community advocacy as it
“Accredited agencies are better able to embodies the precepts of community-ori-
defend themselves against lawsuits and ented policing. It creates a forum in which
citizen complaints. Many agencies report police and citizens work together to pre-
a decline in legal actions against them vent and control crime. This partnership
once they become accredited,” officials helps citizens understand the challenges
said. confronting law enforcement and gives
In addition, the award offers greater law enforcement clear direction about
accountability within the agency, provid- community expectations, officials added.
Light up

Applications for marijuana sales

now being accepted in Westland

Applications for a license to open a City officials said they expect a strong
marijuana business in the City of response from those hoping to open a
Westland will be available next week. marijuana business in the city. The appli-
Members of the city council unani- cation fee is $5,000 and applications for a
mously approved the application timeline grower license will require another $5,000
during their meeting May 18 despite the fee.
concerns addressed by some residents Applications will be reviewed and be
during the meeting. Audience members approved or rejected by a city selection
expressed concern about the nature of the committee.
businesses and urged council
members to give approval prefer-
ence to local owners.
Applications will be accepted
from June 1 through July 16.
The vote follows the approval
of an city ordinance last October
allowing recreational and medic-
inal marijuana shops in the city,
following nine study sessions on
the issue.
Investigation

continuing

Westland police are continu-
ing to investigate a hit and run
accident that claimed the life of
a Taylor woman.
The incident that took the life
of the 56-year-old Taylor woman
occurred at about 9:30 p.m. April
29 on Van Born Road west of
Farnum Road.
According to police reports,
the victim was riding her bicycle
on Van Born Road when a vehi-
cle struck her but did not stop.
The driver fled the scene and
the vehicle turned northbound
onto Marshall Drive and was not
seen again.
The vehicle is described as a
light colored, possibly white or
silver 2000-2006 GMC Yukon XL.
The vehicle sustained damage to
the front grill, front bumper, and
passenger side headlight assem-
bly, police said. Additionally the
vehicle lost a portion of the front
grill and the front passenger side
parking light, and may have
damage to the passenger side of
the windshield.
Police investigators have
requested anyone with any infor-
mation regarding the incident,
or are able to identify the vehicle
or driver, contact the detective
department at (734) 713-3706.