State of New Jersey to Examine Chatham Township Police Department

Chatham Township Police announced the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will be examining all aspects of the Chatham Township Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services later this month.

The examination team will arrive and begin examining the Chatham Township Police on Tuesday, May 19, authorities said.

“Verification by the assessment team that the Chatham Township Police Department meets the Accreditation Commission’s “Best Practice” standards is a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement excellence”, Chatham Township Police Chief Steven Hennelly said.

The Chatham Township Police must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Accreditation results in greater accountability within our department, 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,” Hennelly added.

Accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police provides objective evidence of a department’s commitment to excellence. Accreditation is a three-year period during which the department must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance and commitment to the standards under which it was originally accredited.

Agency employees and community members are invited to offer comments regarding the Chatham Township Police Department’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards by calling (973) 377-6928 on Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes.

A copy of the NJSACOP standards is available for viewing at the Chatham Township Police Department, 401 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.