Public Input Sought For Lawrence Police Accreditation

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Residents of Lawrence Township are invited to provide public input during the police accreditation process.

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will be in town on Dec. 16, to examine all aspects of the police department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Christopher Longo said.

“Verification by the team that the Lawrence 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”, Longo said.

Accreditation is valid for three years during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with standards under which it was initially accredited.

The team will comprise of law enforcement practitioners from similar state agencies. “The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Harry J Delgado, Accreditation Program Director said in a media statement. “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.”

Lawrence Police must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards 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,” Longo said.

Public comments can be provided through telephone or email. The public may call 609-844-7134 on Dec. 16, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to mwhitmore@lawrencetwp.com

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Contact Lieutenant Michael Whitmore at 609-844-7104 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the police department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation can send an email to 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.

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