Chester Police Shooting For N.J. Accreditation

CHESTER, N.J. – The Chester Borough Police Department is aiming at attaining one of the industry’s highest honors, and will undergo a thorough evaluation on Feb. 7.

That honor is to receive accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, who will send a team of assessors to the Chester Borough Police headquarters for a rigorous, 105-point inspection.

“Verification by the team that the Chester Borough 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 David Jara said.

As part of the evaluation, employees of the department and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team by phone or email. Residents may call 908-879-7162, ext. 2103 on Sunday, Feb. 7 between 9 and 11 a.m., or email comments to kcebo@chesterborough.org.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes each and must address the department’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Written statements may be sent by email to hdelgado@njsacop.org or to New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.

“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,” Jara said.

If approved, accreditation is valid for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance to the standards.