LAKEHURST – Borough Police are seeking public input as they await a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
The team will arrive on November 23, to examine all aspects of the Lakehurst Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services according to Police Chief Matthew J. Kline.
“Verification by the team that the Lakehurst 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 said.
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 calling or by sending an email. The public may call 848-992-1420 on November 23 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments should be sent to mkline@lakehurstpolice.org.
Phone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Call Chief Kline at 732-657-7812 for information about the standards.
Those seeking to offer written comments about the Lakehurst Police Department ability to comply with the standards for accreditation are 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.
The Borough Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Kline indicated “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.”
NJSACOP Accreditation Program Director Harry J Delgado said, “the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. 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,” Delgado added.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
The NJSACOP 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
