Summit Police Achieve Accreditation, Named 'One Of Best In State'

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Police Department recently achieved accredited agency status from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police — a significant professional achievement recognized statewide and at the national level.

Accreditation Program Director Harry Delgado spoke at Tuesday night's Summit Common Council meeting and recognized the police department as "one of the best police departments in the state." Delgado also presented a certificate of recognition to members of the department.

According to the city, this accreditation is voluntary, and the Summit Police Department began the process to achieve this honor in Feb. of 2021. It involved an extensive examination of all aspects of department policies and procedures, management, operations and support services to ensure compliance with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police's standards.

Delgado said there is a total of 112 standards that the police department must comply with.

"In the case of the Summit Police Department, I'm proud to say, exceeded accepted practices in the federal law enforcement," Delgado said.

According to the state association, benefits of accreditation often include greater accountability within an agency, reduced insurance risk and liability exposures, stronger defense against potential civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and confidence in responding to community needs.

State accredited agencies may also be eligible for insurance rate discounts.

“Achievement of accredited agency status confirms that the policies and procedures implemented by the Summit Police Department are conceptually sound and operationally effective,” Acting Police Chief Steven Zagorski said in a statement.

“Accreditation signifies professional excellence in law enforcement and is an important professional achievement for our agency,” he said.

More information on Summit Police Department and NJSACOP accreditation is available on the city website.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.

Get a free morning newsletter with news in Summit or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe