Public invited to comment on Morris County’s Washington Township police accreditation
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Monday, August 11, to conduct an on-site assessment of the Washington Township Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Jeffrey Almer announced.
The assessment is part of a voluntary process for the department to earn accreditation, which Chief Almer described as “a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.” The evaluation aims to verify that the department complies with NJSACOP’s “best practice” standards.
As part of the process, members of the public and department employees are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. Public input can be provided by phone or email on August 11 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. by calling (908) 876-3232, selecting option 1, and then dialing extension 1341. Email comments may be sent to mhade@wtpdmorris.org.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department’s ability to meet NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for review at the Washington Township Police Department, located at 1 East Springtown Road, Long Valley. For additional information, contact Lt. Michael Hade at (908) 876-8303.
Written comments may also be sent directly 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, or emailed to Program Director Harry J. Delgado at hdelgado@njsacop.org.
“The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey agencies,” said Delgado. “They will review written materials, conduct interviews, and observe operations to determine compliance with accreditation standards.”
If accredited, the status will remain valid for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports verifying continued compliance.
Chief Almer noted that accreditation can lead to greater accountability, reduced liability exposure, increased public confidence, and a stronger defense against civil lawsuits.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the recognized authority for law enforcement accreditation in the state. For more information, contact the Commission at the above Marlton address or via email.
