Marlboro Police Department Seeks State Accreditation

The Marlboro Township Police Department is about to undergo a process that could make it stand out among the state’s top departments.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will visit to examine all aspects of the Marlboro Township Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services with an eye toward State Accreditation.

“Verification by the team that the Marlboro Township Police Department meets the Commission’s 'best practice' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Chief Bruce E. Hall said.

Marlboro Police Sgt. Darren Vuzzo, Ph.D., said accreditation standards are designed to  meet specific criteria in policies, practices, goals and objectives, and helps the department be more effective, and deliver services more efficiently.  A statement from the department said it would also result in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits and increased community advocacy.

The Marlboro Township Police Department must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  In New Jersey and New York, there are about 128 police agencies with an accreditation status, according to the New Jersey Public Safety Accreditation Coalition.

Sgt. Vuzzo said that over the last 10 years the importance of accreditation status has increased, which may be due to the demand for professionalism and expertise in the field, along with the challenges of frivolous and serious litigation against departments and employees.  

“Department’s that go through the accreditation process are dedicated to proving they instill the highest quality of services and safety for citizens and officers.  The process takes time, as each department evaluates its abilities and must correct any deficiencies… with that stated, buy-in from the highest Command Staff to the expertise of our civilian employees must take place for achieving accreditation,” he said in an email.

Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors 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, the full Commission will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.

Accreditation is valid for three years and the department will submit annual reports showing their continued compliance with those standards.

In addition, as part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team by telephone or email.

The public may call 732-995-3806 on Monday, Jan. 20, between 9 and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to dvuzzo@marlboropd.org

Telephone comments are limited to 5 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 Marlboro Township Police Department at 1979 Township Drive, Marlboro N.J. 07746.  Please contact Sergeant Darren Vuzzo at 732-536-5432.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Marlboro Township Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.