Lawrence Township Police Seek Input From The Public

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Members of the general public and employees of the Lawrence Township Police Department are invited to give their input on how the police department is doing later this month.

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the police department on site on Sunday, Oct. 20, the police department announced on Monday.

The public can provide input by phone or by email. The public may call 609-844-7102 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Oct. 20. Comments will be limited to five minutes and must address the police department’s ability to comply with NJSACOP standards.

A copy of the standards can be found at the Lawrence Township Police Department, 2211 Lawrence Road in Lawrenceville. Emailed comments can be sent to tdrew@lawrencetwp.com.

Anyone who wishes to submit written comments can email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ, 08053.

“Verification by the team that the Lawrence Township Police Department 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,” Lawrence Township Police Chief Brian Caloiaro said. “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 and efficiently respond to community needs.”

Accreditation is good for three years. During that time, the agency must submit annual reports showing they are continuing to comply with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” Accreditation Program Director Harry Delgado Ed.S 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.”

For more information, contact Lawrence Township Police Accreditation Manager Lt. Timothy Drew at 609-844-7108. For more information about the program overall, write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ, 08053.