LOWELL — Police Superintendent Raymond Kelly Richardson is proud to announce that the Lowell Police Department has earned accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, making the department the largest municipal police force in Massachusetts to achieve the state’s highest level of professional certification.
The Lowell Police Department began the process of seeking accreditation in 2018, shortly after Superintendent Richardson was appointed. The years-long, self-initiated process includes rigorous independent review and evaluation by MPAC of the department’s compliance with 257 mandatory standards and 125 optional standards.
An assessment team from MPAC visited the department in September 2021, reviewing management, operations, technical support activities, policies, emergency response planning, training, communications, facilities, equipment, evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit policies, prisoner transportation and holding facilities among other topics.
“I could not be more proud of the Lowell Police Department for achieving the gold standard of professionalism and law enforcement best practices in Massachusetts,” said Superintendent Richardson. “This process took years, but it was well worth it as we constantly strive to hold ourselves accountable and to provide the residents of Lowell with the most competent, compassionate, and professional police services possible.
“I would like to especially thank Lt. Jonathan Noone and Officer Christy Delaney for their tireless work. Their energy and attention to detail, along with the support of Deputy Superintendent Barry Golner and the entire LPD command staff, have helped this entire department take a major step forward.”
The accreditation process is aimed at providing accountability among agency personnel and ensuring policies are applied evenhandedly; providing a statewide norm against which agencies can judge their performance; providing a basis to correct deficiencies before they become public problems; providing independent evaluation of agency operations; enhancing the reputation of an agency, increasing public confidence; and minimizing insurance costs and agency liability.
“The accreditation process is a demonstration of the Lowell Police Department’s commitment to upholding the best standards and practices in law enforcement, and to being transparent by allowing an outside agency to periodically evaluate the department and create an additional layer of accountability,” said Lt. Noone. “Certification and accreditation also serve to reassure the public that police are professional, trained, and prepared for everything from routine calls to large-scale emergencies.”
Accreditation also stresses the importance of preparedness, by requiring a written directive system that incorporates law enforcement and management best practices into agency policies and operational plans.
Accreditation also ensures the Lowell Police Department is prepared to meet the demands of POST legislation and the requirements it created as part of the state’s police reform law.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 257 mandatory standards as well as 125 optional standards. To achieve accreditation status, the department must meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 70 percent of the optional standards.
“Earning accreditation shows that we are ahead of the curve on providing the best policing possible to the citizens of Lowell, in accordance with state law and the public’s expectations,” Deputy Superintendent Barry Golner said.
“Earning full accreditation from the MPAC is a significant milestone for the Lowell Police Department and an affirmation of the high standard of professionalism and accountability adhered to at all levels of the Department,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “The accreditation is a testament that the Lowell Police Department is following best practices on every front in their efforts to keep the City, its neighborhoods and its residents safe.”