Howell Residents Can Weigh In On Police In Upcoming Assessment

HOWELL, NJ — Residents can call, email or write to comment about the township Police Department as part of an assessment for meeting "best practices" standards, the department said.

On May 8, a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will examine all aspects of the Howell Township Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Howell Police Chief John Storrow announced Tuesday.

Storrow said being assessed for the Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is "part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”

As part of this final onsite assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team.

The public can contact the team by telephone or email:

• Call 732-919-2810 or 732-961-5422 on Monday, May 8, between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the department said. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the association's standards.
• Email comments can be sent to SRevilak@Howellpolice.org. Contact Lt. Scott Revilak at 732-938-4575 ext. 2244 for information about the standards.
• Anyone who wants to offer written comments about the department regarding the standards for accreditation should email the Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during, with annual reports on compliance, the department said.

“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,” Storrow said.

Accreditation Program Director Delgado explained how the process works:

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. 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," Delgado said.

For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, write the commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.