HOWELL — The Howell Police Department is seeking the public’s input as part of its upcoming accreditation assessment. According to a press release, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will administer the on-site assessment.
The accreditation program “requires agencies to comply with the best practice standards” in the areas of policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services.
According to the NJSACOP Internet website, accreditation “increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.”
In addition, accreditation improves community understanding of a given department or agency’s role in the community, as well as goals and standards.
The accreditation program also helps to “streamline operations, provide more consistency and more effective deployment of agency manpower,” according to the website.
Howell police Sgt. David Flaherty said once the assessors complete their review of the department, they will report to the full commission, which decides if the department will receives accredited status.
Accreditation is valid for three years. During that time the respective agency is required to submit annual reports showing continued compliance to accreditation standards.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and should only address the police department’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Howell Police Department, 300 Old Tavern Road, Howell.
Department employees as well as members of the public are invited to offer comments by calling the assessment team at 732-919-2810 on Aug. 20 from 9-11 a.m. or by emailing the department at [email protected].
Written comments may be submitted to Harry J. Delgado, accreditation program manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 856-988-5880.
Written submissions may also be sent to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, NJ 08053.
For more information, contact Sgt. David Flaherty at 732-938-4575, ext. 2229.