Accreditation

Accreditation Process

The Watertown Police Department first achieved accreditation in June of 2003 and was re-accredited in December of 2006.

The accreditation process is a progressive and time-proven way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. The key to this successful system lies in the consensus of published and circulated policies and procedures containing a clear statement of professional objectives.

State Accreditation

The accreditation process consists of meeting a certain number of standards recommended by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program. These standards reflect the best professional requirements and practices for our department. The standards provide a description of what must be accomplished by a participating department, but allow the department wide latitude in determining how it will achieve its compliance with each applicable standard.

The attainment of state accreditation is one form of proof of our department's professionalism. Accreditation can increase the confidence of the general public in the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of our department. It can also enhance the reputation of the Watertown Police Department.

Law Enforcement Accreditation

Certification is an award granted by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission to agencies which have complied with 151 chosen standards. These core standards were chosen by the Commission as the most important standards to comply with.

Further information about Law Enforcement Accreditation standards may be found at the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) website.