OLD BRIDGE – Township employees and the public are invited to provide comments as the Old Bridge Police Department seeks re-accreditation for a second time.
A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services on May 10, according to Police Chief William A. Volkert on April 30.
“Verification by the team that the Old Bridge Police Department meets the commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve re-accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Volkert said.
The NJSACOP, through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the State of New Jersey.
As part of this final assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team through telephone or email. The public may call 732-258-0055 between 11 a.m. and noon on May 11. Email comments can be sent to Police Capt. Joseph Mandola at [email protected].
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 Old Bridge Police Department, 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge 08857.
For written comments email the Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado at [email protected] or send written comment to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton 08053.
The Old Bridge Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP 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,” Volkert said.
The department reached re-accreditation status in August 2017. Delgado has said the re-accreditation process takes two years to complete and an accreditation status lasts for three years.
During accreditation, the agency must submit annual reports of compliance.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” Delgado said. “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.”
To view a copy of the accreditation standards call Mandola at 732-721-5600, ext. 3411.