The Canton Police Department operates as a complete unit as part of Canton's Public Safety Department. The Public Safety Department, which also includes the fire department and is directed by Patrick E. Nemecek, runs consolidated administration, dispatch and records operations.
The police department's special units handle crime prevention, accident investigation, school resource officers, special operations, selective enforcement and bicycle patrols. Community outreach programs include www.nixle.com, a text messaging service which sends police alerts to residents' cell phones; and Crime Stoppers of Michigan, which offers up to $1,000 in rewards for anonymous tips called into 1-800-SPEAKUP, sent online at www.1800speakup.org or emailed to tipline@canton-mi.org.
In 2010, the Canton Police Department received accreditation for the second time through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This certification indicates a rigorous self-assessment as well as an independent evaluation as to how well an agency meets or exceeds acceptable professional standards. The accreditation is good for three years.