LAKEHURST – A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the borough’s police department on Sept. 9.
That examination will include the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services according to Borough Police Chief Eric Higgins.
“Verification by the team that the Lakehurst Borough Police Department meets the Commission’s “best practice” standards are part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Higgins 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.
This can be done by calling 732-657-7812 or by emailing the police department at mmorelli@lakehurstpolice.org between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
All phone comments will be limited to five minutes and will be taken by members of the Assessment Team. The comments must address the agency’s ability to comply with NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Lakehurst Borough Police Department, 530 Union Ave., Lakehurst.
All e-mail comments will be received by the police department.
Those wishing to submit written comments about the borough police department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them by email to Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S Accreditation Program Director, hdelgado@njsacop.org, or write to 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 Eric Higgins said, “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.”
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 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.
Those seeking additional information about the borough police department’s examination can call Officer Melissa Morelli at 732-657-7812 ext. 420.
For further information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 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.
