Verification by the Assessment Team that the department meets MPAC standards is part of a voluntary process to gain state accreditation — a self-initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession.

"Achieving accreditation is a significant milestone and would reflect a tremendous commitment and effort on behalf of our department to continuously improve our services and grow as an agency to meet the highest policing standards," Chief Burrows said. "Reaching this point has taken significant time and effort, and I’m proud of our department for stepping up and working toward this goal."

The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 257 mandatory standards as well as 125 optional standards. In order to achieve accreditation status, the Acton Police Department must meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 55 percent of the optional standards.

These carefully selected standards include: Jurisdiction and Mutual Aid, Collection and Preservation of Evidence, Communications, Working Conditions, Crime Analysis, Community Involvement, Financial Management, Internal Affairs, Juvenile Operations, Patrol Administration, Public Information, Records, Traffic, Training, Drug Enforcement and Victim/Witness Assistance.

Achieving accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. Acton Police received State Certification last September from the MPAC on its way to full accreditation.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program may contact Chief Burrows at 978-929-7711.