Best practice model goal of Ocean Twp Police Department
Public comments accepted for 3-year state accreditation
A team of assessors will examine all aspects of the Ocean Township Police Department next month.
A part of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police [NJSACOP] accreditation process, the assessors will investigate the over 50 member police force’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Steven R. Peters said in a written news statement.
“Verification by the team that the Township of Ocean Police 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,” Peters said.
The assessors, due to arrive on March 13, will gauge whether the department meets 105 set 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,” Peters said.
The assessors will review the department’s written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” said Harry J Delgado, NJSACOP Accreditation Program Manager. “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 accreditation is valid for a three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance.
A copy of the NJSACOP standards is available at the Township of Ocean Police Department, 399 Monmouth Road.
As part of the on-site assessment, employees and members of the public can provide comments to the assessment team.
Comments will be accepted via telephone from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 14 at 732-897-6205. Comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.
E-mail comments can be sent to Township of Ocean Police, c/o Lieutenant Michael Sorrentino at msorrentino@oceantwp.org.
For more information or written comments about the Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation, e-mail Delgado at hdelgado@njsacop.org or by mail to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.
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