SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD) has achieved the highest level of recognition by obtaining simultaneous accreditation from the national and state governing bodies for law enforcement.
In announcing the achievement on April 3, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka gave special recognition to the late Mayor Frank Gambatese.
“Mayor Gambatese would always call the police department the best in the state; with his support and encouragement, we remain the only department in the state to twice achieve the highest law enforcement standard,” Hayducka said in a statement provided by the SBPD. “This designation of being the sole municipal police department in the state to twice achieve dual accreditation is a tribute to the hard work of the men and women of the SBPD. It would not have been possible without the strong support of the late mayor, council and township manager.”
The process to become the first police department to be dual certified was extensive. Law enforcement executives from New Jersey and two other states visited the SBPD over the past few months and examined all aspects of the department, according to the statement. They examined reports, files, policy, procedures, administration, operations, investigations and support services to ensure the department met more than 500 standards. They conducted interviews with sworn and civilian employees of the department, spoke with residents and hosted open forums for community feedback.
Achievement of simultaneous accreditation demonstrates that the department meets the highest standards in law enforcement. The benefits of accreditation include greater effectiveness and efficiency, reduced liability, improved community relations and greater accountability, according to the statement.
Hayducka pointed out how challenging it is to achieve either accreditation certification.
“In New Jersey, just 38 percent of the 500 police departments statewide are able to receive the N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation distinction. Nationally, less than 4 percent of 17,000 police departments nationwide receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies,” he said.
Hayducka thanked those residents who came out and provided feedback during the process.
“Today confirms that our department continues to be at the forefront of meeting the highest standards in law enforcement. Reaching this goal just encourages us to continue to pursue excellence in all that we do,” he said.