05/01/2026
The New Hampshire Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NHLEAC) is proud to announce that the Portsmouth Police Department has been awarded Initial Accreditation, marking a historic milestone as the first dual accredited law enforcement agency in the State of New Hampshire. Portsmouth now holds both NHLEAC state accreditation and national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
The Commission formally recognized the department during its April 7, 2026 meeting at the Arthur D. Kehas Law Enforcement Training Facility in Concord.
“Dual accreditation represents a rare level of commitment,” said NHLEAC Chair Joseph Hoebeke. “It requires an agency to meet two independent sets of rigorous professional standards, demonstrating excellence in policy, training, operations, accountability, and community engagement. Portsmouth has done exactly that.”
The Commission’s assessment report highlighted several areas of exceptional performance, including a strong culture of procedural justice, where officers treat individuals with dignity and respect, ensure citizens have a voice during encounters, and act with neutrality and transparency. The report also noted that Portsmouth’s training programs far surpass state requirements and incorporate advanced scenario based and immersive VR training. The department’s commitment to employee wellness and modernized operational practices was also recognized.
The Commission acknowledged the leadership team whose efforts guided the agency through the accreditation process. Chief Mark Newport and Deputy Chief Michael Maloney were commended for their strategic leadership and support. Accreditation Manager Kate Young was recognized for her exceptional preparation, organization, and mastery of the standards. Professional Standards Lieutenant Chris Kiberd was acknowledged for his oversight of policy, training, and compliance.
