The Springfield Police Department’s mission is to provide public safety and to contribute to the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Springfield by protecting, serving and working with the community to develop philosophies which promote equity and establish partnerships between citizens and police to enhance law enforcement, aid in the prevention of crime, and preserve public peace.

Led by Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, just under 500 sworn police officers serve approximately 154,000 residents across 33 square miles. The Springfield Police Department is the most diverse department in the Commonwealth with 54% of sworn officers being Hispanic, Black or Asian. 

SPD is dedicated to serving the community with respect, integrity and distinction and ensuring residents, business owners and visitors are provided with the best police services possible. All sworn officers and supervisors in the department wear body-worn cameras while on duty. Additionally, the department is currently in the process of becoming a Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) Certified Police Department. Through this self-initiated, voluntary evaluation process, police departments strive to meet and maintain the highest standards of law enforcement and demonstrate their commitment to continuous progress and improvement.