SAUGUS — The state has determined the Saugus Police Department has “fully demonstrated its commitment to police excellence.”
The department received re-accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. The department received its first accreditation in 2016. The standard lasts for three years.
Interim Police Chief Ronald Giorgetti called the achievement “a testament to the quality of police work” in town.
The process is considered the best measure for a police department to compare itself against
the established best practices around the country and region, he said.
To earn the standard, the department had to be in compliance with 246 standards involving jurisdiction of mutual aid, collection and preservation of evidence, communications, crime analysis, fiscal management, internal affairs, juvenile operation, public information, records, traffic, training, drug enforcement, and victim and witness assistance. Not all of the standards are considered mandatory for police departments.
The commission offers both a certification and accreditation program. The accreditation is a higher achievement and is granted for a period of three years. Participating in the process is voluntary, and involves an internal self-review and external assessment by the commission.
The Saugus Police Department was assessed in June by a team of commission-appointed assessors, who found to be in compliance with all applicable standards for accreditation.
Preparation for a self-assessment was completed by Lt. Timothy O’Brien, who serves as the department’s accreditation manager. He completed an extensive process to revise and implement standards and update policies.
“I am proud of Interim Police Chief Giorgetti and the Saugus Police Department for their
professionalism and commitment to best practices, which is reflected in the town’s award of this
state re-accreditation,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree in a statement.
