How Is The Secaucus Police Dept. Doing? Give Your Thoughts

SECAUCUS, NJ — The Secaucus Police Department has been an accredited police agency since 2014.

SPD is also the first police agency in the state to accredit its communications center, also known as its 911 call center.

It is now seeking its second re-accreditation. To that end, next Monday, September 27, a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the Secaucus Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

“Verification by the team that the Secaucus 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," said Police Chief Dennis Miller.

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 may call 609-929-1386 on Monday, September 27 between the hours of 9 –10:00 am. They will be speaking directly with the Accreditation team, not the Secaucus Police Dept.

Email comments can be sent to Chief Dennis Miller at dmiller@secaucus.net

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Chief Miller at 201-330-2045 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Secaucus Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email 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.

The Secaucus Police Department must comply with NJSACOP 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," said Chief Miller.

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. 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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