The Swampscott Police Department has received formal recognition from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) as one of the 122 fully accredited police agencies in the state. This achievement underscores the department’s commitment to implementing best practices, policies, and procedures in law enforcement.
The official recognition took place on October 29, 2023, during an award presentation at the Marlborough Country Club. The MPAC accreditation is a voluntary process that allows police agencies to strive for and maintain established standards within the law enforcement profession. This process begins with an internal assessment by the police agency to ensure compliance with the program’s criteria, followed by a review from assessors appointed by the MPAC.
Achieving accreditation signifies several key commitments from the department. Firstly, it demonstrates the department’s dedication to upholding professional standards. Secondly, it agrees to regular assessments by MPAC-appointed evaluators to confirm compliance. Lastly, it commits to addressing any deficiencies identified during these assessments to maintain high standards.
Police Chief Ruben Quesada emphasized the collaborative effort involved in this accomplishment, crediting the department’s accreditation team, which includes Sgt. Matt MacDonald, Sgt. Steven Luck, Sgt. Brendan Reen, and Capt. Joe Kable. “Accreditation alone could take one full-time employee working 40 hours a week for at least six months to complete. This work was achieved through a true team effort,” Quesada stated.
Quesada expressed pride in the recognition, viewing it as a testament to the department’s hard work and dedication. “This award is much more than just empty words stating that our policies and procedures match best practices and national standards,” he said. “We had to show and prove to an independent, outside organization that our actions meet our words.”
Out of the 351 communities in Massachusetts, only 122 have achieved this level of accreditation, a distinction that Quesada described as the “gold standard” for police agencies. He highlighted the importance of this standard of professionalism, noting that it is essential for providing the world-class policing that the Swampscott community deserves.
The Swampscott Police Department’s achievement not only enhances its credibility but also reinforces its commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. This recognition serves as a stepping stone for the department to continue improving and serving its community effectively.
