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Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

 

UNION COUNTY—A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive the last weekend of February to examine all aspects of the Union County Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“We welcome this opportunity to prove to the team of assessors that we have fully adopted and implemented the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards for a law enforcement agency. This voluntary accreditation process will help us better serve the residents of Union County and will emphasize our dedication to self-improvement and professionalism,” said Public Safety  Director Andrew Moran.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-654-9833 on Sunday, February 26th, between 10 a.m. & 12 P.M.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Police Department, located at 300 North Ave East, Westfield N.J.  The local contact is Patrolman Deanna Lynn, who can be reached at (908) 789-6833. Email: dlynn@ucnj.org

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Union County Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  

County Police Chief James C. Debbie stated: “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.” 

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.   

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status, according to Harry J. Delgado, the Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org