Marlborough Police Gear Up for State‑Level Accreditation Review This Fall

Come early October, the Marlborough Police Department will open its doors to a trio of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). From October 6 through October 8, the team will walk the halls, leaf through files and ask a lot of questions—everything aimed at checking whether the department still meets the professional standards that earned it accreditation in the first place.

It’s a voluntary, but very real, check‑up. MPAC looks at everything from use‑of‑force policies, training programs, and internal affairs procedures, to patrol tactics, criminal investigations, detainee transport, emergency planning, and the way records and evidence are handled. In short, they’re measuring how well the agency balances accountability with community service.

Why does it matter? Marlborough’s police force is already listed as fully accredited by both the city and MPAC, a badge of honor that lasts three years. But that badge isn’t permanent; agencies must undergo recurring assessments to keep it. If the reviewers find any gaps, they’ll issue recommendations, and the commission will decide whether to renew the accreditation.

Deputy Chief Daniel Campbell has taken on the role of accreditation manager. He’ll be the go‑to person for any questions the assessors have and for keeping the department on track during the review. “We see this as an opportunity to showcase the good work we do every day and to spot any areas where we can improve,” Campbell said in a recent interview.

For residents, the review is a chance to see transparency in action. The assessors will tour the station, examine policy manuals, and even look at how evidence is logged and stored. After the three days are up, they’ll compile a report filled with findings and suggestions—some might be tiny tweaks, others could be more significant changes.

Once the report is in hand, MPAC will make the final call on whether Marlborough’s police retain its accredited status for another three‑year stretch. Until then, the department is busy polishing its procedures and making sure everything is in order, because staying accredited isn’t just a label—it’s a promise to the community that the police are professional, accountable, and ready to serve.