|
Berkeley Heights, New Providence PD's Awarded State
Accreditation
Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, February 9, 12:05 a.m.
West Trenton, NJ - The New
Providence and Berkeley Heights Police Departments (Union County)
became the fifth and sixth police agencies in New Jersey to receive
State Accreditation under a program established over three years ago
by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police [NJSACOP].
To be accredited, a department must
comply with 146 specifically selected internationally accepted
standards for the operation of police organizations, as well as
submitting to an on-site review by an experienced team of
independent law enforcement assessors. The assessment team examined
all aspects of the Agency’s policies and procedures, management,
operations, and support services. The department will be required to
send annual reports to NJSACOP Accreditation Commission attesting to
continued compliance with the standards, followed by a new
assessment every three years.
The NJSACOP Commission approved the
departments’ application at a Commission meeting today following a
review of the reports filed by the assessors. Also approved for
Accreditation at today’s meeting were the police departments from
Stone Harbor (Cape May County) and Woodbury Heights (Gloucester
County). These agencies join the Stafford Township (Ocean County)
and Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County) police departments as
recipients of the Accredited status.
The NJSACOP has been accepted as a
Partner with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agencies [CALEA®], the national law enforcement accrediting
commission. Under the Alliance, agencies completing New Jersey
accreditation are eligible for national CALEA Recognition. The
status of Accreditation is granted for a period of three years.
Participation in the program is strictly voluntary.
"This accreditation is a testament to
the abilities of the department's dedicated staff, who protect their
community 365 days a year," said NJSACOP Executive Director Mitchell
Sklar.
Undergoing the voluntary state
accreditation process provides an agency with a quality assurance
review and encourages intense self-scrutiny that results in more
efficient and effective daily operations. Becoming accredited by the
commission is considered a significant accomplishment and the status
is held in high esteem by the criminal justice community.
"By choosing to participate in the
formal and thorough peer review, the Berkeley Heights and New
Providence Police Departments can document to the residents of their
communities that they adhere to high standards of professionalism
and are among the finest in the state," said NJSACOP Accreditation
Chairman Police Chief John Coyle.
The overall purpose of the
accreditation program is to improve delivery of law enforcement
service by offering a body of standards, developed by law
enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law
enforcement topics. It recognizes professional achievements by
offering an orderly and voluntary process for addressing and
complying with applicable standards. Other potential benefits of
accreditation include reduced liability insurance costs,
administrative improvements, greater accountability from supervisors
and increased governmental and community support.
The New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police was founded in 1912 as a non-profit organization
dedicated to serving the people of New Jersey by advancing and
elevating the standards and professionalism of law enforcement
throughout the State.
Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, February 9, 12:05 a.m.
Talk About this Story
Return to Home Page |
