Brick Hires Six New Officers; Department Accreditation Renewed

BRICK, NJ -- The Brick Township Police Department welcomed six new officers and announced that it has had its accreditation renewed after a lengthy review process was completed.

The new officers -- Kevin Docherty, Joseph DeLuca, Joseph McGrath, Tyler Stephenson, Michael Bennett and Chase Carter -- were sworn in last week during the Brick Township Council meeting by Mayor John Ducey.

The accreditation renewal from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police was finalized last Thursday during a commission review hearing in South Brunswick, the department announced.

Chief James Riccio, Lt. Steven Gerling and Sergeant Michael Drew appeared before the panel of commissioners for the final phase of the process that began in 2015.

The Brick Township Police Department received its initial accreditation in September 2012. The renewal process included an on-site assessment in October by the NJSACOP to complete an in-depth review of all policies, procedures and department operations.

Accreditation involves compliance with 105 standards that represent best practices in law enforcement, and accredited status represents a significant professional achievement, the association said. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

“I am proud of the men and women of the Brick Township Police Department for once again achieving this level of recognition," Riccio said. "The re-accreditation for our department validates that we continue to be in line with the highest standards in law enforcement.”