Chatham Cops Call For Public Comment

CHATHAM, NJ – Representatives from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police are asking for public input about the Chatham Borough Police Department on Monday, Sept. 24. According to Chief of Police Brian Gibbons the team will assess all aspects of the Chatham Borough Police Department‘s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services

“Accreditation is a voluntary process by which the agency invites in a team of highly trained and experienced assessors to inspect and verify that the members of the Chatham Borough Police Department meet the commission’s standards of best practice in law enforcement," Gibbons said. "Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence."

The public is invited to offer comments directly to the assessment team by calling (973) 701-6838 from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 or by emailing comments to mbochniak@chathampd.org.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Chatham Borough Police Department, 54 Fairmount Ave., Chatham, N.J. 07928. Those interested can contact Michael Bochniak at (973) 701-6850 for information.

To submit written comments about the department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation, send them by email to Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S., Accreditation Program Manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org, call (856) 334-8943, or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chief’s of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

“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," Delgado said. "Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted continued accredited status."

The Police Department must comply with 105 standards to achieve accreditation status. “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, mitigates risk and liability, provides a stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increases community advocacy, and strengths confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively while responding to community needs,” Gibbons said.

The department was accredited in 2015 for a three-year term.

“Once reaccredited, the Chatham Borough Police Department must also submit to annual reports verifying maintenance of its accredited status,” Gibbons said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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