READING — Chief David Clark is proud to share that the Reading Police Department has earned reaccreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).
Reading Police was awarded re-accreditation on Oct. 29, marking the fourth time the department has received re-accreditation from MPAC.
Accreditation is a self-initiated, lengthy and comprehensive evaluation process. Participating departments complete an internal self-review and an external assessment by MPAC experts. The process is a voluntary evaluation by which police departments strive to meet and maintain the top standards of law enforcement. It is considered the best measure for a police department to compare itself against the established best practices around the country and region.
The department was assessed in May by a team of commission-appointed assessors. The Assessment Team found the department to be in compliance with all applicable standards for re-accreditation.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 274 mandatory standards as well as 120 optional standards. In order to achieve accreditation status, the Department must meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 55 percent of the optional standards.
Achieving accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.
Reading Police Department’s reaccreditation efforts were led by Accreditation Manager Lt. Chris Jones.
Accreditation must be renewed every three years.
“I am proud of our department for their continuous efforts in upholding the best policing practices to serve our residents and community members to the fullest,” said Chief Clark.
