SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The police department is eliciting feedback from the community to ensure that they meet the best practices of law enforcement as part of their accreditation.
Assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will be at the South Toms River Police Department on Thursday, February 26 to examine all aspects of the policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Michael C. Schneidt said.
“Verification by the team that the South Toms River 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,” the chief explained.
As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call (732) 349-0313 x 134 on Thursday, February 26, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to strpd@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com.
Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Chief Schneidt at (732) 349-0313 x 117 for information about the standards.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the South Toms River Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.
What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a goal sought by most departments, in order to ensure that their policies and procedures match what has stood the test of time as law enforcement’s highest standards.
It lasts three years, and every year the department has to submit reports showing they continue to comply with those standards.
“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,” Schneidt said.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” said Harry J Delgado, Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. “The assessors will 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, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. 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 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.
