Even with its share of problems over the years, the Edison Police Department is now officially a state-accredited law enforcement agency.
The recent accreditation puts the department in rare company, as one of fewer than 40 in the state that have achieved this level of success.
“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk of liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, lower insurance costs, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” said Brian Collier, township police director.
Among the changes that led to the department’s accreditation: establishing an evaluation system and performance goals for police work, rewriting protocols for the Emergency Response Team and SWAT unit, and revamping the hiring procedures in an effort to save the township money and upgrade the quality of the candidate pool for open positions.
Police Chief Thomas Bryan stated that the accreditation process, albeit a long one, was well worth it.
“I am extremely proud of the men and women of this department. We were able to achieve each of the 112 standards that we had to, all of which provided a very indepth assessment of all aspects of how a department should work,” Bryan said.
“We are truly in the minority of departments in New Jersey that have been accredited,” he added. “This was the result of a huge collective effort. This defines every person’s role in this department and was a necessity, in my opinion.”
Bryan also said that the accreditation lasts for three years, after which the department has to submit annual reports on compliance.
The accreditation comes as Mayor Jun Choi gets ready to finish up his term at the end of next month, and on the heels of Collier’s announcement nearly two months ago that he would resign from his post.
Also recently, one police officer was charged with shoplifting, and recent promotions have come into question by the Edison Policemen’s Benevolent Association.