A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of Cherry Hill police policies and procedures, management, operations and support services on Monday.
“Verification by the team that the Cherry Hill 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 Robert Kempf.
As part of the final on-site process, employees and community members can offer comments during the assessment by email or phone at (856) 432-8763 on Monday, Oct. 16 between 10 and 11 a.m. Emailed comments can be sent to accreditation@cherryhillpolice.com or write to the police association at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, 08053.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with NJSACOP standards. Information on that process are available by calling Lt. Edward Walto at (856) 432- 8803.
The 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 Kempf.
“The assessment team is composed of law-enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law-enforcement agencies,” said Harry Delgado, accreditation program director for the police association. 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,” he added, “they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
Accreditation is valid for three years, and township police will have to submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with the standards initially evaluated.
For more information on the accreditation process, write to the above mail address or email hdelgado@njsacop.org
