Police Department is Undergoing Assessment to Maintain Accreditation Status

NORTH READING— The North Reading Police Department will undergo a self-initiated evaluation process beginning Jan. 17 to maintain its accreditation status.

On Dec. 28, Chief of Police Michael Murphy announced that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission will examine the North Reading Police Department’s policies, procedures, operations and facilities. The verification is part of a voluntary processes for Massachusetts State Accreditation.

There are 253 mandatory standards and 122 optional standards. A department must meet all mandatary standards and 60 percent of optional standards to remain accredited. The department first received its status in Jan. of 2011.