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MPAC Q2 Newsletter

Welcome Message

Dear Chiefs and Accreditation Members,

Welcome to the new MPAC Newsletter! We are excited to share updates, highlights, and important information with our members. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed about recent initiatives, upcoming events, and the ongoing efforts of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) to support professionalism, collaboration, and continued improvement within our organization.

In this edition, you will find news about recent activities, member achievements, training opportunities, and other developments that reflect the dedication and hard work of our members. We hope this newsletter serves as a valuable resource and a way to stay connected with the important work being done across the MPAC community.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support. We encourage you to stay engaged, share your feedback, and contribute ideas for future editions as we work together to strengthen our mission.

Sincerely,

Joseph Comperchio
Executive Director, MPAC

Executive Board

Scott W. MacDonald
Chief of Police
President
Orleans Police Department
Representing: MCOPA
Christopher D. Delmonte
Chief of Police
Vice President
Bridgewater Police Department
Representing: MCOPA
Thomas W. Fowler
Chief of Police
Secretary
Salisbury Police Department
Frederic Turkington
Town Administrator
Treasurer
Town of Sharon – Representing MMA

Certification Accolades

Congratulations to the following department who Recently Received their Certification.

Everett Police Department

Accreditation Accolades

Congratulations to the following department who Recently Received their Accreditation.

Peabody Police Department

Re-Accreditation Accolades

Belchertown Police Department

Belchertown Police Department

Bentley University Police Department

Bentley University Police Department

Boxford Police Department

Boxford Police Department

Bunker Hill Community College Police Department

Bunker Hill Community College
Police Department

Douglas Police Department

Douglas Police Department

Framingham Police Department

Framingham Police Department

Merrimack College Police Department

Merrimack College Police Department

Methuen MA Police Department

Methuen Police Department

Newburyport Police Department

Newburyport Police Department

Norton Police Department

Rockport Police Department

Rockport Police Department

Sandwich Police Department

Sandwich Police Department

Somerset Police Department

Somerset Police Department

Sturbridge Police Department

Sturbridge Police Department

Tufts University Police Department

Tufts University Police Department

West Bridgewater Police Department

Westborough Police Department

Westborough Police Department

Westford Police Department

Westford Police Department

Westwood Police Department

Westwood Police Department

Woburn Police Department

Woburn Police Department

Recent News

Legislative Updates

Bill S. 2565 – An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

On June 15, 2026 the House and Senate enacted and laid before the Governor the following Bill:

“SECTION 1. Section 116I of chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

Not less than every 5 years, the municipal police training committee shall develop and establish within its specialized training curriculum available to all law enforcement officers instruction on the blue envelope program established in section 56A of chapter 6C.

 SECTION 2. Chapter 6C of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 56 the following section:-

 Section 56A. (a) The department of state police, in consultation with the registrar of motor vehicles, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts or any other organization that advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder, shall design blue envelopes that:

 (i) provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelope regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder;

 (ii) include instructions for ease of access to the envelope, including, but not limited to, attaching the envelope to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle; and

 (iii) can hold a person’s motor vehicle operator’s license and registration.

 (b) The registrar of motor vehicles shall make available, upon request, the blue envelopes to any person with autism spectrum disorder or such person’s parent or guardian.

 SECTION 3. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.”

MPAC Updates

Necessity of Mock Assessments

Mock assessments are one of the most effective tools for ensuring a smooth and successful accreditation process, particularly within the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission’s (MPAC’s) Program. While they are required for an agency’s initial award and optional for subsequent assessments, their strategic value extends far beyond meeting a mandate. For chiefs and accreditation managers, mock assessments provide an essential opportunity to identify compliance gaps early, validate that policies align with daily practice, and ensure personnel are fully prepared for the expectations of an on‑site review.

Even in re‑accreditation cycles—where experience is greater and systems are more mature—agencies should strongly consider continuing mock assessments as a best practice. Standards evolve, staffing changes, and operational habits shift over time. Mock assessments help agencies stay ahead of these changes, reinforce a culture of accountability, and prevent small issues from becoming costly deficiencies. Agencies that choose to employ mock assessments, even when not mandated, consistently position themselves for smoother assessments, stronger operational readiness, and greater public trust.

Police Accreditation Coalitions (PACs)

The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) is encouraging police departments to establish regional networks of law enforcement agencies known as Police Accreditation Coalitions (PACs).

Police Accreditation Coalitions (PACs) are collaborative partnerships that help agencies achieve and maintain accreditation by providing a structured network of support, resources, and expertise. Through collective participation, agencies can streamline accreditation efforts while strengthening compliance with established professional standards.

Coalition members share policies, procedures, training materials, documentation, and proven strategies, reducing the need for individual agencies to develop resources independently. This collaborative model promotes efficiency, consistency, and alignment with accreditation best practices across participating departments.

PACs also provide valuable mentorship opportunities. Experienced Accreditation Managers offer guidance and support to agencies new to the accreditation process, helping them prepare for assessments and navigate accreditation requirements with confidence. Regular coalition meetings encourage the exchange of ideas, discussion of standards, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering continuous improvement, professional development, and organizational excellence.