All,
The Commission has voted to approve changes for when an agency is mandated/required to have a mock assessment prior to a scheduled onsite assessment.
As a result, here is the updated information:
Initial Assessments:
Any initial assessment requires a mock to be completed at least 90 days prior to the onsite assessment.
An agency with an initial assessment must submit the documentation, as required by MPAC Staff, of their mock being completed no later than 60 days before their onsite begins to avoid having their onsite assessment canceled.
Re-Assessments:
Any re-assessment does not have a mandatory mock requirement that will be managed/confirmed with MPAC. However, the Commission advises agencies with a re-assessment to have a mock before onsite. The mock has proven invaluable for our participating agencies to have a successful onsite experience. Conversely, there is often a correlation between either not having a mock assessment and/or not fixing directives/evidence of compliance identified by mock assessors, and agencies that have had awards denied.
Documentation of Mock Assessments:
For mocks using “hard copy” checklists, MPAC will continue to make mock assessment resources available to agencies through member access areas.
The results of electronic mock assessments in PowerStandards will be noted/documented within the program.
Notification of Mock Assessors to MPAC:
Once any agency has a team of mock assessors in place, please advise Jim Martin of who they are to ensure that he does not assign them to the agency’s actual onsite, too.
Commission Review of Agency Mock Assessments:
The Commission will consider the results of all mocks and any associated repairs/updates that take place before an agency’s onsite assessment. If the mock is mandatory, then documentation of the mock must be submitted to MPAC for reference/review.
If a mock is not mandatory, agencies are asked to maintain the results of their mock assessments to be presented upon request of MPAC. If an agency elects not to have a mock, this may be a factor the Commission considers in their final review of an agency’s compliance for an award.
If you have any questions or need further information, please get in touch with me at:
Email at rick@masspoliceaccred.net
or by calling (978) 834-5660
Rick Rathbun
Executive Director
Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission