Public’s Feedback Requested For Washington Twp. Police Accreditation

LONG VALLEY, NJ — As the Washington Township Police Department seeks accreditation, officials are asking for the public’s feedback and comments on the entity's performance.

The accreditation is given by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACP), which assesses police departments' policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services. The NJSACP will arrive in Washington Township on Aug. 11 for the assessment.

The process to be accredited is voluntary, and Police Chief Jeffrey Almer considers accreditation “a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”

“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,” said Almer.

Part of the process is gathering feedback from the residents a police department serves to protect; therefore, Washington Township police are asking the public for comments on their performance.

To share comments via telephone, call 908-876-3232 on Aug. 11 between 10 and 11 a.m. After dialing, select option 1, and then enter extension #1341. Telephone comments will be capped at five minutes.

Email comments can be sent to mhade@wtpdmorris.org or hdelgado@njsacop.org.

You can also mail the comments to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ, 08053.

Comments should only address the Washington Township Police Department’s ability to comply with NJSACOP standards. A copy of NJSACOP’s standards is available for review at the Washington Township Police Department, 1 East Springtown Road in Long Valley. Contact Lieutenant Michael Hade at 908-876-8303 for more information on the standards.

“The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” said NJSACOP Accreditation Program Manager Harry J. Delgado. “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.”

Accreditation status is valid for three years, and accredited departments must submit annual reports “attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.”