The Wareham Police Department received certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission on January 13 during a ceremony held at the Hopkinton police station. Certification is the first step in the department achieving "accreditation," the Commission's highest award.

Certification is a self-initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession, according to a Wareham Police press release. The standards reflect critical areas of police management, operations, and technical support activities, covering areas such as policy development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, and more.

“Achieving Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is considered a very significant accomplishment, and is a recognition that is highly regarded by the law enforcement community,” said Donna Taylor Mooers, Executive Director of the Accreditation Commission.

Under the leadership of Chief Richard Stanley, the Wareham Police Department was assessed on December 1st and 2nd by a team of Commission-appointed assessors. The Assessment Team found the Department to be in compliance with all applicable standards for certification.

"I can't say enough about the staff, both sworn and civilian for the positive attitude and commitment to the process," Stanley said. He also thanked the Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen, and Wareham Police Union for their support in the process.

Stanley said that Wareham Police officer Bill Fihlman had been the "point person" during the process, after taking on the role of Accreditation Manager about a year ago.

Fihlman "has been a true leader in this process and we never would have attained this goal without his commitment," Stanley said.

The department had to complete 155 state standards to achieve certification. Fihlman spent nearly a year writing new policies and updating old outdated policies, and was faced with the challenge of bringing an older outdated police station up to acceptable standards, according to the press release.

“This process really brought to light the need for a new facility”, said Fihlman. He credited the entire department for their cooperation in reaching this goal. “This was a team effort and by no means a one-man show. I also received a lot of support from police departments in the area who have also gone through this process."

The department is continuing to comply with an additional ninety eight standards to reach the ultimate goal of state “accreditation," according to the press release.

"I extend my congratulations to all who have helped to make this department among the best of the best," Stanley said.