Elizabeth, NJ–A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, February 23, 2014 to examine all aspects of the Union County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced today.
“Verification by the team that the Union County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Sheriff Froehlich said. “Having been previously certified by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and recognized by CALEA, I look forward to re-accreditation.”
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-527-1843 on Monday, February 24, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.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 Sheriff’s Office, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ. The local contact is Sergeant Patrick Hora, who can be reached at 908-527-4420.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053, or email Accreditation Program Manager, hdelgado@njsacop.org or by phone (856)-334-8943.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status.
“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,” Sheriff Froehlich said.
The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado.
“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,” Delgado said. “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.”
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 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.