Comments Sought As Berkeley Police Seek Re-Accreditation

BERKELEY, NJ — The Berkeley Township Police Department will be seeking re-accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) soon, and feedback is wanted from residents, Chief Kevin Santucci announced Friday.

A team of assessors from NJSACOP will examine all aspects of Berkeley police's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services on Dec. 21, Santucci said.

“Verification by the team that the Berkeley Township 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,” Santucci said.

As part of the final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 732-341-6600 x 2146 on Dec. 21 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to larocca@btpdnj.org.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Capt. Peter La Rocca at 732-341-6600 x2396 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Berkeley Township Police Department'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.

In order to achieve accredited status, Berkeley police must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards.

“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,” Santucci said.

The assessment team is made up of other New Jersey law enforcement practitioners.

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.