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Deal Police Chief Ronen Neuman announced Thursday afternoon that the over 25 member police force has placed third in the International Association of Chiefs of Police [IACP] National Law Enforcement Challenge [NLEC].

The NLEC is a traffic safety recognition that honors agencies for their roadway safety programs, specifically for the traffic safety issues of impaired driving, occupant protection, and speed awareness. 

The award is designed to strengthen and support traffic safety and provides agencies an opportunity to make a difference in the communities they serve, learn from each other, and establish future goals in traffic education and enforcement, according to a news release.

Participating agencies are evaluated and awarded points based on their approach to identifying problems, policies, planning, training, public information and education, enforcement, and the outcomes, according to the IACP.

The police department is comprised of 16 sworn officers, a canine patrol, four Special II Officers, five Special I Officers and four civilian officers. The department also provides patrol services to Interlaken and Loch Arbour.

“This is the first time in the history of the National Law Enforcement Challenge that any New Jersey municipal or county agency has been ranked in the Top 3 at the national level,” Chief Neuman [above right] said.

Neuman will have to travel to San Diego to accept the award during the IACP annual convention, held from Oct. 15 to 18.

Neuman also announced that a 10-year shared service agreement with Interlaken will extend through 2030.

“We began providing police services to the Borough of Interlaken in the year 2010,” Neuman said. “During this time the members of the Deal Police have become a part of the Interlaken community.”

The shared service agreement benefits the taxpayers of both Deal and Interlaken, he said.

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