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Accreditation Assessment Team for Union County Police Department Invites Public Comment

Union County, NJ – A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will visit the Union County Division of Police in the Department of Public Safety on September 21st, 2020 for a final on-site assessment of all aspects of Police Division Policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief of Police James C. Debbie announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Union County Police Department 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,” Chief Debbie said.

“Participation by the community is part of the accreditation process, and the Freeholder Board welcomes the input of our residents as we strive to achieve the highest standards in public service,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 908-789-6834 on September 21st, between the hours of 10am and 11am.  Email comments should be sent to dlynn@ucnj.org.

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

Telephone comments are limited to five 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 Division, located at 400 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ.  Please contact Detective Deanna Lynn at (908) 789-6834.

The Union County Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  Chief Debbie indicated, “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 Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S.  “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,” Harry J Delgado stated. 

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.  

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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