MARBLEHEAD — The Marblehead Police Department has once again achieved full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, reaffirming its status as one of the Commonwealth’s most professional and forward-thinking law enforcement agencies.
The recognition marks the department’s second reaccreditation and fourth successful assessment overall.
According to Police Chief Dennis King, only 112 of the Commonwealth’s 258 police agencies currently hold full accreditation, placing Marblehead among a select group that has demonstrated ongoing commitment to the highest standards in modern policing. The designation remains valid for three years.
King, addressing the Select Board during the announcement, emphasized the weight of reaccreditation for the community and the department’s 32 sworn officers and nine dispatchers, who serve roughly 20,000 residents across Marblehead’s historic 4.2 square miles.
King read from remarks delivered at the accreditation ceremony, noting that the rigorous process has shaped Marblehead into “a professional, innovative, and forward-thinking department that values the highest standards in law enforcement.”
Through this work, he said, the department ensures that investigations are thorough, interactions are fair and unbiased, and individuals in need receive compassionate, principled service.
A significant portion of the credit, King stressed, belongs to Lt. David Ostrovitz and Officer Dan Gagnon.
He said their meticulous work ensures Marblehead continually meets more than 250 complex standards spanning training, use of force, transparency, hiring, discipline, community engagement, and operational readiness.
“Accreditation is something you have to live every day,” King said. “You have to believe in it. It drives how we train, how we operate, and how we plan.”
He said, “Being accredited says that you are following the best practices in policing. The commitment it takes to meet all 250 standards, and the effort from every member of the department, is significant. But it’s worth it.”
Gagnon’s partnership in the process has been instrumental, he said, especially given that every assessment is unique. Agencies are audited not only on mandatory standards but also on optional standards that reflect the specific character of the community. For Marblehead, that includes a strong emphasis on community engagement, hiring practices, and professional development.
Select Board members praised the department for its diligence, professionalism, and accountability.
Member Erin Noonan said, “I know it was a tremendous amount of work, so I just want to thank you, lieutenant, and Officer Gagnon for all the hard work that went into that. And the whole police department really works very, very hard.”
She added, “I don’t feel like we have the opportunity to recognize it as much as we all feel it, but we know you all work very, very hard, and some of the stuff that’s behind the scenes — like the compliance stuff and the professional development and the trainings and the grant writing that goes on and bringing extra money in — is really, really such an asset to the community.”
Member Alexa Singer echoed Noonan’s sentiment, adding, “This is something that takes a lot of planning, a lot of structure, and elevating things with fair standards.”
Noonan and Singer also highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to secure competitive grants, work that saves taxpayer resources while supporting training, equipment, and new initiatives that strengthen public safety.
Accreditation, King noted, often gives the department an edge in competitive state and federal grant programs by demonstrating strong governance and adherence to best practices.
Ostrovitz said that reaccreditation directly influences how the department functions, including training programs, operational planning, and policy development are all evaluated through the lens of accreditation standards. During the latest assessment, for example, auditors scrutinized everything from organizational charts to how the department will manage operations during the installation of a new backup generator.
He added that the Marblehead team completed what is typically a three-day on-site assessment in just two days due to their thorough preparation and documentation, something the assessors noted as a rare accomplishment.
In its formal notice of reaccreditation, MPAC commended the Marblehead Police Department for its “ongoing commitment to delivering an exemplary level of police service,” Chair Dan Fox read. The Commission praised the agency for its leadership, professionalism, and department-wide dedication to excellence.
“This drives our operations,” King said. “It drives our training. And it ensures we’re always looking ahead.”
