Marlboro Police Awarded State Accreditation by NJ State Chiefs of Police

The Marlboro Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Bruce Hall and with the support of Mayor Jonathan Hornik and the Township Council, successfully completed and attained State Accreditation with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) on March 20, 2014. 

The accreditation process scrutinizes the Police Department’s policies and procedures that range from new officer field training, use of force and pursuit as well as personnel evaluations. The process ensures the correction of internal deficiencies and inefficiencies. The final stage of the NJACOP State accreditation process included a 2 day detailed on-site inspection in January, 2014.  

Mayor Jonathan Hornik stated, “Accreditation has been a goal since I promoted Bruce Hall to Chief of Police in 2009.  It is important that our Police Department receive recognition by a governmental authority that they meet the standards and requirements set forth by the NJSACOP and confirms that the Division utilizes best practices in all critical areas of police work.” He continued, “This lengthy process required the commitment of all involved.  I want to thank Chief Hall for his leadership, Sgt. Darren Vuzzo for ensuring that the rigorous requirements were documented and the entire Police Division for their support.”

Accreditation is a benefit to both the agency and Marlboro’s citizens as it results in decreased insurance premiums with the Joint Insurance Fund by 5% to 8%. It further reduces litigation by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines by confirming best practice standards allowing the Public Safety Department to be more effective risk managers.  Accreditation is ongoing and reassessment will take place every 3 years to ensure compliance.

Sgt. Darren Vuzzo, who has been the Police Department’s Accreditation Manager throughout the process, stated “I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to accomplish the NJSACOP State Accreditation for our department.  The process has taken several years and could only be accomplished with the backing of Command Staff and cooperation from all department personnel.  We updated over 75 policies and evaluated all facets of our department from organization, management, administration and operations.  A sense of pride and gratification comes from ensuring our officers offer citizens and visitors the best services we can.”

Police Chief Bruce Hall said, “I would like to thank all the members of the Division that supported and assisted in this lengthy process and a special thanks to Sgt. Darren Vuzzo who worked tirelessly on this project and saw it through to fruition.” Chief Hall continued, “I would like to thank Mayor Hornik and the Township Council for their direction and support of the Police Division during the entire Accreditation Process.”

The final hearing was held in South Brunswick, NJ before a 7 member commission.  Following questions from the panel regarding the process and the findings, a vote was taken and accreditation was unanimously awarded.  In attendance at the NJSACOP Accreditation Commission’s hearing were members of the Command Staff from the Marlboro Police Department: Chief Bruce Hall, Captain Brian Hall, Captain Bart Lombardo, Captain Frederick Reck, and Administrative Sgt. Darren Vuzzo. The NJSACOP will make a presentation at the Marlboro Township Council meeting on June 19, 2014 at 7:00pm.