Accreditation Sought For Stafford Police Communications Center

STAFFORD, NJ — The Stafford Township Police Department Public Safety Emergency Communications Center is seeking accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), and the public is invited to comment.

NJSACOP will examine all facets of the emergency communications center's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief James Haldenwang announced Tuesday.

“Verification that the Stafford Township Police Department Public Safety Communications Center meets the Commission’s 'best practices' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Haldenwang said.

As part of this final on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to a NJSACOP Assessor. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 609-597-1189 ext. 8232 on May 20, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Email comments can be sent to Thomas Preiser, Accreditation Manager at tpreiser@staffordpolice.org.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP Public Safety Communications Centers standards. ContactPreiser at 609-597-1189 ext. 8232 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Stafford Township Police Department’s Public Safety Communications Center’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write 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 Stafford Township Police Department Public Safety Communications Center must comply with NJSACOP standards 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,” Haldenwang said.

The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S. “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 assessor completes 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 said.

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 Communications Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Communications Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Public Safety Communications Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.