GBPD Begins Voluntary State Accreditation Process in October

The Great Barrington Police Department will again participate in a voluntary review by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, a process required for state accreditation of the police department.

“We welcome this review and examination of the department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities,” said Chief William R. Walsh. “This process ensures that we meet and maintain standards that have been set for law enforcement profession, by the law enforcement profession.”

The Great Barrington Police Department previously earned state accreditation in January 2017. Accreditation status is awarded for a period of three years, and the GBPD is now seeking recertification.

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

“State accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” said Walsh.

First established as a state agency,  the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is now a private non-profit organization overseeing police department accreditation throughout the state.

The agency's mission is "to ensure that the delivery of police services within the Commonwealth is at the highest level of professionalism and integrity."

For further information about the reaccreditation is invited to contact Walsh, (413) 528-0306.