Hazlet Police Seek Accreditation With NJ SACOP: Public Feedback Welcome

HAZLET, NJ — A team of assessors from the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJ SACOP) is set to examine the Hazlet Township Police Department this fall, Chief Robert Mulligan said.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, the association will examine all aspects of the police department's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“Verification by the team that the Hazlet Township Police Department 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,” Mulligan said.

As part of this 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 can call 908-596-9337 on Thursday, Nov. 12, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to Clogothetis@hazletpd.org

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJ SACOP standards.

You can contact Patrolman Charleigh Logothetis at 732-264-0763 x2103 for information about the standards.

Anyone who wants to offer written comments about the police department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is asked to email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Hazlet Township Police Department must comply with NJ SACOP LEAP standards in order 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,” Mulligan 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,” Delgado said. “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 assessors complete 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,” he continued.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to its 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 Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey.

For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, you can write the Commission at the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053, or email hdelgado@njsacop.org