WILMINGTON, MA – Chief Joseph Desmond is pleased to announce that the Wilmington Police Department has earned re-accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). The re-accreditation is a testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to delivering an exemplary level of police service in the community.
A ceremony was held by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission on October 4 at the Marlborough Country Club. Town Manager Jeff Hull, Chief Joseph Desmond, Deputy Chief Brian Pupa, and Lieutenant Dan Murray attended the event.
The Department received Certification, the first step in the accreditation process, in 2010 and was initially accredited in 2011. To be re-accredited, the department must undergo a thorough evaluation every three years.
In May of this year, a team of assessors conducted a comprehensive review of the Wilmington Police Department to ensure compliance with 258 mandatory standards and 72 optional standards set by MPAC. The department not only met all mandatory standards but also surpassed expectations by meeting 79 of the optional standards.
Rick Rathburn, Executive Director of MPAC, conveyed his appreciation in a letter to Chief Desmond, stating, “Re-Accreditation demonstrates your Department’s ongoing commitment to delivering an exemplary level of police service in your community. As you know, it is a lot of hard work and a department-wide effort. We commend the Wilmington Police Department for its accomplishments and applaud you personally for your leadership role in the process.”
Chief Desmond expressed his pride in the accomplishments of the officers, stating, “I am so proud of the work that our Officers do each day in service to the community. We hold our officers to a high standard, and they consistently exceed those standards.” Chief Desmond also extended his gratitude to Lieutenant Dan Murray, the Department’s Accreditation Manager, acknowledging all of the work done so that the department could earn re-accreditation. “Lieutenant Murray played an invaluable role in the Wilmington Police Department being re-accredited,” he stated, “Hundreds of hours were spent ensuring that our policies and practices met the strict requirements set forth by the Accreditation Commission.”
Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards established for the law enforcement profession. The program establishes best practices for police agencies to adopt, with agencies developing written directives and procedures for personnel to implement. Standards dictate topical areas where policies and procedures are required, allowing the agency’s leadership to develop and enforce agency-specific policies and procedures. The majority of the Commission’s standards require agencies to commit their often-unwritten policies and procedures to writing, with the remaining standards focusing on equipment or facility-related aspects found in communication centers, holding facilities, and property rooms.
The Wilmington Police Department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to the community.
