MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will arrive Sunday, Nov. 19, to examine all aspects of the Maplewood Township Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, acting Chief Jimmy DeVaul recently announced.
“Verification by the team that the Maplewood Township 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,” DeVaul said.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 973-761-7868 on Monday, Nov. 20, between 9 and 11 a.m.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Maplewood Township Police Department at 1618 Springfield Ave. The local contact is Sgt. Thomas DiMaggio, who can be reached at 973-761-7883.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Maplewood Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, NJ 08053.
The Maplewood Police Department must comply with 112 standards in order to achieve accredited status.
“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,” DeVaul said.
The accreditation program manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” Delgado said. “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.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
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