Toms River Police Welcome Public Comment as Accreditation Moves Forward

Members of the public are invited to provide comment as the Toms River Police Department moves toward securing accreditation from a state agency.

Assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will come to Toms River on Sunday, March 10 to inspect the department and ensure compliance with the 112 accreditation standards established by the organization.

"Verification by the team that the Toms River 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," said Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy in a statement. "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."

Toms River began its accreditation process in September of 2011, according to Lt. Jeffrey Lenox, but it was met with setbacks as police dealt with Superstorm Sandy.

"The plan was to have the onsite complete by the end of 2012, but we were delayed due to Sandy," he said.

Employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments as part of this final on-site assessment by calling 732-914-0121 on Monday, March 11 between 9 and 11 a.m. Email comments are also accepted and can be sent to the police department. Comments can also be made by contacting Harry J. Delgado, accreditation program manager for the NJSACOP, through email, by calling 856-988-5880 or by writing: New Jersey State Association of Chief’s of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 11,000 Lincoln Dr. West, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.

Phone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department's ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards — a copy of the standards is available for the public to review at the TRPD headquarters on 255 Oak Ave.

"The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed," Delgado said in a statement.

The assessors will submit their review to the full commission which will decide if accredited status will be awarded in Toms River, according to Delgado.

The department must maintain the standards and reapply for accreditation every three years, at a fee of $1,500.