The Swampscott Police Department has been officially recognized by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) as one of the 122 fully accredited police agencies in the state. This significant achievement reflects the department’s commitment to adhering to best practices, policies, and procedures in law enforcement.
The formal recognition took place on October 29, 2023, during an award presentation held at the Marlborough Country Club. Accreditation from MPAC is a self-initiated process where police agencies voluntarily meet established standards for the law enforcement profession. The process begins with an internal evaluation to ensure compliance with the program’s requirements, followed by assessment from MPAC-appointed evaluators.
Accreditation signifies several important commitments from the department. First, it demonstrates a dedication to maintaining professional standards. Second, it involves a commitment to regular assessments by MPAC-appointed assessors to ensure ongoing compliance. Lastly, the department agrees to address any deficiencies identified during these evaluations to maintain adherence to the program’s standards.
Police Chief Ruben Quesada emphasized that this achievement was the result of a collaborative effort within the department. He acknowledged the contributions of his accreditation team, including Sgt. Matt MacDonald, Sgt. Steven Luck, Sgt. Brendan Reen, and Capt. Joe Kable.
“The best way to describe this effort is that achieving accreditation could take one full-time employee working 40 hours a week for at least six months,” Quesada stated. “This work was accomplished through a true team effort, with special thanks to our accreditation manager, Sgt. MacDonald, who got us started on the right footing.”
For Chief Quesada, the significance of this recognition goes beyond mere accolades. He believes it represents a tangible proof of the department’s dedication to excellence in policing. “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.”
Among the 351 communities in Massachusetts, only 122 have achieved this “gold standard” of accreditation. Quesada reiterated the importance of this accomplishment for the community. “We owe this standard of professionalism to our beloved community to be the kind of world-class policing organization they rightfully deserve,” he added.
The recognition by MPAC not only enhances the reputation of the Swampscott Police Department but also reinforces its commitment to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.
