The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 4 | Page 9
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2017
NJSACOP LEAP Commission Holds Hearing and Awards Accreditation
By Harry J. Delgado, NJSACOP Accreditation Program Manager
Twenty four law enforcement agencies were invited to appear in front of the New
Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Commission to state
their case in pursuit of accreditation after months of undergoing the rigorous
process. Some agencies have invested years in pursuit of excellence by following
accepted state and national best practices in law enforcement.
On March 9th The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation
Commission held their spring hearing and reviewed the reports and testimony
of twenty four law enforcement agencies seeking either accreditation or
reaccreditation in the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law
Enforcement Accreditation Program (NJSACOP LEAP).
This prestigious certification follows a rigorous review process that may take up to twenty four months to
complete. These accredited agencies joined a very exclusive group of law enforcement agencies that have made
a commitment to excellence in policing.
The following agencies received initial accreditation: Lawrence Township Police Department, North
Wildwood Police Department, Bound Brook Police Department, Beachwood Police Department, Lyndhurst
Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lakewood Police Dep artment, Union City Police
Department, Vineland City Police Department, Tuckerton Police Department, and Hopewell Township Police
Department.
The South Brunswick Township Police Department became the second
nationally accredited agency to officially receive dual accredited status by
meeting the application requirements and demonstrating compliance with
NJSACOP LEAP standards. The NJSACOP LEAP – National Program allows
nationally accredited agencies to pursue legitimate New Jersey State
Accreditation. South Brunswick’s Chief Raymond Hayducka celebrated his
agency’s achievement stating, “I knew our agency was up to meeting the
challenge of New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police dual
accreditation. I told my command staff that the department will only go
as high as we set the bar. The state dual accreditation we have achieved
is the highest standard”.
Accreditation is not a one-time event but rather a process. After initial accreditation agencies must maintain and
demonstrate compliance with one hundred and five standards and seek reaccreditation every three years. The
following agencies received reaccreditation as well as second or third reaccreditation indicating a remarkable
commitment to the accreditation process over many years. Awarded this prestigious status at the Commission
hearing were the following agencies: New Jersey State Bureau of Parole, Middle Township Police
Department (3 rd ), Berkeley Township Police Department (2nd), Lincoln Park Police Department, Westwood
Police Department (2 nd ), Bergen County Sheriff’s Office (2 nd ), and Watchung Police Department, Hazlet
Township Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Mantua Police
Department (2 nd ), and Randolph Police Department.
To date over one hundred and eighty agencies have received accredited status through NJSACOP LEAP.
more information about our program I may be reached at [email protected].
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