The Hopkinton Police Department (HPD) has reached a big milestone: full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). The accreditation became official on January 8, 2026. MPAC celebrated the department’s achievement at an awards ceremony on February 17 at the Marlborough Country Club.
Understanding Police Accreditation
Accreditation isn’t mandatory—it’s something police departments choose to pursue. It signals a real commitment to top-tier standards and professionalism in law enforcement. To keep the status, departments must reapply every three years.
How HPD Reached This Standard
HPD met or surpassed 274 required standards and another 95 optional ones. These standards come straight from the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, which lawmakers created after the Massachusetts Police Reform Act of 2020. HPD began with a self-assessment and worked closely with officers from other accredited departments.
In November 2025, MPAC assessors visited the department in person. They took a close look at how HPD operates, digging into everything from management and training to emergency response, prisoner handling, communication, evidence procedures, and even policies on use of force and vehicle pursuits.
HPD Leadership Speaks Out
Police Chief Joseph Bennett says the department’s proud to achieve full accreditation. He called it a “significant, department-wide achievement” that proves HPD’s dedication to the highest standards in law enforcement and public service.
Bennett also points out that this voluntary process pushes HPD to follow best practices, not just locally but nationwide. He sees accreditation as a key part of the department’s drive for continuous improvement.
Want to Learn More? Reach out to Accreditation Manager Lt. Matthew McNeil at mmcneil@hopkintonpd.org or call 508-497-3401.
Any time law enforcement investigates it self look out ! Law enforcement has always protected its own throwing anyone in the way under the bus . HPD has been accredited in the past. Under sleepy Joe we lost are accreditation. Hopkinton Select Board failed the town by not holding HPD command to maintain the status. We the people support are police and other town public safety. Yet as admitted Joe Bennett did no extra education until we the people questioned him. Yet when he attended higher learning he fought with staff at a Chatham inn. Full audit of the HPD is needed. We have a good staff of junior officers but lack of good leadership.