MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Chief Edward Conley is pleased to share that the Manchester Police Department has achieved full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).
MPAC unanimously voted to award the Manchester Police Department full accreditation for the first time at a ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Boston College Connors Center in Dover. The department was recognized for its achievement at the event with a plaque.
Police departments voluntarily undergo a rigorous assessment by MPAC, with the Manchester Police earning full accreditation, which is the more prestigious of two accolades administered by MPAC.
The 257 “best practice” standards that must be met to earn accreditation cover a range of topics, including agency authority, jurisdiction, use of force, recruitment, selection, promotion of personnel, training, discipline, internal affairs, patrol, traffic operations, criminal investigations, victim/witness assistance, emergency response planning, prisoner transportation, holding facilities, records and communications, collection and preservation of evidence, and property and evidence control.
The Manchester Police Department achieved certification through the MPAC in February 2018, and immediately began working toward full accreditation.
“Achieving Accreditation status communicates both to the public and other law enforcement agencies that we do it the right way here in Manchester,” Chief Conley said. “That plaque is also tangible evidence that each member of this department is capable of meeting the highest standards in the policing. I simply couldn’t be more proud.”
Four independent assessors visited the department last month to conduct a two day inspection period where they assessed the department’s facilities, equipment, vehicles, and policies.
Achieving full accreditation also qualifies police departments for potentially reduced municipality liability insurance premiums.
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