NJSACOP TO EXAMINE MANTUA PD
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
(Mantua Township, NJ) January 23, 2017)-- A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on 5 February 2017 at 0800 hours to examine all aspects of the Mantua Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Rodney Sawyer announced today.
“Verification by the team that the Mantua 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,” Chief Sawyer said. “We were initially accredited six years ago and this is something that we wish to continue into the future,” he added.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 856.468.1920, extension 1421, on 5 February 2017 between 0930 and 1130 hours.
Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Mantua Police Department, located at 405 Main Street, Mantua, N.J. in the Police Clerk’s office. The local contact is Lieutenant Darren White, who can be reached at 856.468.1920, extension 1431.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Mantua Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.
The Mantua Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Sawyer 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.”
The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado. “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”, Harry J Delgado stated.
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 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, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053