The Lowell Police Department earned accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission in 2022.
By earning Accreditation from MPAC, Lowell Police is now one of the largest municipal police forces in Massachusetts to achieve the states highest level of professional certification.
The Lowell Police Department began the process of seeking accreditation in 2018, shortly after Superintendent Richardson was appointed. The years-long, self-initiated process includes rigorous independent review and evaluation by MPAC of the department’s compliance with 257 mandatory standards and 125 optional standards.
An assessment team from MPAC visited the department in September 2021, reviewing management, operations, technical support activities, policies, emergency response planning, training, communications, facilities, equipment, evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit policies, prisoner transportation and holding facilities among other topics.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 257 mandatory standards as well as 125 optional standards. To achieve accreditation status, the department must meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 70 percent of the optional standards.
The accreditation process is aimed at providing accountability among agency personnel and ensuring policies are applied evenhandedly; providing a statewide norm against which agencies can judge their performance; providing a basis to correct deficiencies before they become public problems; providing independent evaluation of agency operations; enhancing the reputation of an agency, increasing public confidence; and minimizing insurance costs and agency liability.
Accreditation also stresses the importance of preparedness, by requiring a written directive system that incorporates law enforcement and management best practices into agency policies and operational plans.
Accreditation also ensures the Lowell Police Department is prepared to meet the demands of POST legislation and the requirements it created as part of the state’s police reform law.
“Earning full accreditation from the MPAC is a significant milestone for the Lowell Police Department and an affirmation of the high standard of professionalism and accountability adhered to at all levels of the Department,” said Former City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “The accreditation is a testament that the Lowell Police Department is following best practices on every front in their efforts to keep the City, its neighborhoods and its residents safe.”
For more information about accreditation or the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission click here.