THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 19, 2026 Page 11 Everett Police Dept. achieves major state certifi cation milestone Recognition marks fi rst step toward full accreditation and refl ects dept.’s commitment to professional excellence and accountability Pictured from left to right: MPAC Board Member Juliann Flaherty, Mayor Robert Van Campen, Police Captain Paul Molea, Everett Police Chief Paul Strong, Police Sergeant Nick Crowell, MPAC Executive Board Member Christopher Delmonte. Special to Th e Advocate T he Everett Police Department has earned CertifiMayor Robert Van Campen, Police Chief Paul Strong, Police Sgt. Nick Crowell and Police Capt. Paul Molea cation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC), marking a significant milestone in the department’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, accountability and excellence in law enforcement. Certifi cation is the fi rst of two levels in MPAC’s voluntary police credentialing program and serves as a prerequisite to full Accreditation. To achieve Certifi cation, the department demonstrated compliance with 178 mandatory standards covering diff erent areas, such as training, operations, public safety, policy development, evidence management, community engagement and risk management. Police Chief Paul Strong acPolice Chief Paul Strong is shown speaking at the MPAC ceremony on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Mayor Robert Van Campen and Police Chief Paul Strong. Police Chief Paul Strong accepts certifi cation. cepted the certifi cation on behalf of the department alongside Accreditation Manager Sgt. Nick Crowell and Capt. Paul Molea, who played instrumental roles in guiding the department through the rigorous review process. Mayor Robert J. Van Campen was also in attendance to support the department as it received the recognition. “This certifi cation is a refl ection of the hard work and dedication of every member of the Everett Police Department,” said Chief Strong. “Achieving this milestone required a department-wide commitment to reviewing our policies, strengthening our procedures, and ensuring we are operating at the highest professional standards. While we are proud of this accomplishment, we also recognize it is one step in an ongoing process of continuous improvement as we work toward full accreditation.” The certifi cation process involved a comprehensive assessment of the department’s policies, procedures, training records, equipment and operational practices to ensure compliance with MPAC standards. The program is designed to help police departments strengthen operations, improve accountability and enhance public confi dence. “I was proud to be there with Chief Strong as the department received this certifi - cation,” said Mayor Van Campen. “Most people will never see the amount of work that goes into earning a recognition like this. It’s years of reviewing policies, strengthening procedures, documenting practices, and holding yourself to a higher standard. This achievement refl ects the professionalism of our police department and the commitment Chief Strong, Sgt. Crowell, Capt. Molea, and the entire team have made to serving the people of Everett.” Certification represents an important achievement, but it is also part of a larger journey. The next step in MPAC’s program is Accreditation, which requires agencies to meet additional standards and demonstrate excellence across even more areas of police operations. The Everett Police Department will now continue working toward full Accreditation while maintaining compliance with the standards required for Certifi cation. Both Certification and Accreditation require ongoing reviews and periodic reassessments to ensure departments continue meeting professional standards and evolving alongside best practices in modern policing. The City of Everett congratulates the Everett Police Department on this accomplishment and thanks its offi cers and staff for their continued dedication to serving the community.
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