Teaneck Police Earn National Accreditation

The has earned an independent accreditation that will provide a better defense against lawsuits and certifies the agency follows national “best practices” in more than a hundred areas, officials said Tuesday.

The accreditation, issued by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, came after a nearly two-year voluntary process. Commission reviewers examined procedures ranging from how the department handles prisoners to traffic and officer safety, said Police Chief Robert Wilson.

“It forced us to take a hard introspective look at how we do things,” Wilson said. “It’s good to have someone who is objective come in and say you are doing things well.”

If the department is sued, the accreditation will help show officers are following nationally-recognized police guidelines.

“This is something that’s proactive and preemptive,” Wilson said.

Teaneck had to comply with 112 commission standards, according to Lt. Michael Ferrante, the department’s accreditation manager. Outside reviewers required evidence to back up the department’s claims.

“It’s not enough to just say that you have a policy,” Ferrante said. “You have to have proof.”

A commission reviewer poured over departmental records, as well followed officers in the field. The lengthy process included input from the public and police officers.

Wilson and Ferrante had to appear before the Commission’s board before accreditation was granted. Teaneck will face re-accreditation every three years, Wilson said.

Teaneck joins nine other municipal departments in the state to achieve accreditation, according to the commission’s website. In Bergen County, towns including Ridgewood and Mahwah have also earned the national recognition.