Swansea Police Department Earns Fifth Re-Accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission

The Swansea Police Department received its accreditation plaque during the  Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission Meeting Award Ceremony on June 18. (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission)

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley is pleased to report that the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) has once again accredited the Swansea Police Department.

This marks the department’s fifth re-accreditation, which was officially voted on and confirmed by MPAC in May.

Accreditation is an ongoing process that requires compliance with program standards over a three-year period. The department will undergo its next three-day, on-site assessment in 2028 to ensure continued compliance. The Swansea Police Department has been accredited since Jan. 28, 2010.

Accreditation is a self-initiated, lengthy, and comprehensive evaluation process. Participating departments complete an internal review and an external assessment by trained MPAC assessors. The process is voluntary and represents a police department’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of law enforcement. It is considered the best benchmark for comparing a department’s policies and practices with established best practices across the state and nation.

The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 274 mandatory standards and 81 optional standards. To achieve accreditation, departments must meet all applicable mandatory standards and at least 55 percent of the optional standards.

These carefully selected standards address critical areas of police management, operations, and support services, including policy development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuits, detainee transportation, and holding facility procedures.

Chief Foley would like to recognize Accreditation Manager Detective Sgt. Eric Thibault for his continued leadership in guiding the department through the accreditation process.

“This re-accreditation process was truly a team effort,” said Chief Foley. “This recognition reflects the high standards that have long defined the Swansea Police Department. I am extremely proud of each and every member of our department.”

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