MAYS LANDING- A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will arrive Monday, Sept. 16, to examine all aspects of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said in a release.
“Verification by the team that the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office 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,” Tyner said.
As part of the final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. The public may call 609-909-7733, 10-11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16 to speak to an assessor.
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 Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, 4997 Unami Blvd., in Mays Landing. Contact Agent Mark Cooker at 609-909-7881.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is asked to email Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado 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 Atlantic County Proscutor’s Office must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status.
“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,” Delgado said.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with accreditation 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,” Tyner said.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey.
For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, write the commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.
