RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Raritan Township Police Department has been fully accredited by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, recognizing the agency’s commitment to professionalism and best practices in law enforcement.
The announcement was made during a Township Committee meeting Tuesday. The accreditation comes through the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a statewide and nationally certified initiative designed to enhance transparency and accountability in policing.
Only about 54% of police departments in New Jersey have achieved accreditation, according to the association.
“This was a large-scale effort that made it possible,” Mayor Michael Payne said. “I want to thank Captain Joe Canonica, Lieutenants Scott Nelson and Ryan Garbolino, and every officer and civilian employee for their continued work and dedication in keeping Raritan Township safe.”
The department underwent a May 12 on-site assessment by the association’s accreditation commission, which evaluated the agency on 412 standards covering policies, operations, training and officer safety.
The program, designated by the U.S. Department of Justice as an independent credentialing body, is intended to provide law enforcement agencies with uniform standards that align with best practices and directives from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
