Public Input Sought For Princeton Police Re-Accreditation Process

PRINCETON, NJ — A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will be evaluating the Princeton Police Department as part of its re-accreditation process, the department announced on Tuesday.

The team will evaluate the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services on March 2 and 3.

“Re-verification by the team that the Princeton Police Department meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to remaining as an accredited agency, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Princeton Police Chief Nicholas Sutter said.

The Princeton Police Department was originally awarded accredited status in 2014. It must comply with 105 standards in order to remain accredited.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards.

“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,” Sutter said.

Agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments by calling 609-921-2100, ext. 1867 on Thursday March 2, between 10 a.m. and noon. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team.

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

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes, and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Princeton Police Department, 1 Valley Road in Princeton. For a copy, contact Lt. Christopher Morgan at 609-921-2100, ext.1831.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Harry J 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.”

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