The North Bergen Police Department is inviting public comment for the New Jersey State Association of Chief of Police (NJSACOP) accreditation assessment set for Monday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Verification by the team that the North Bergen 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,” Police Chief Robert Farley said in a statement.
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 (201) 392-2134 on Monday, August 4th between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Comment can also be emailed to accreditation@northbergenpd.com.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact the Chief’s Office and ask for Lt. Anthony Caramucci at (201) 392-2134 for information about the standards.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the North Bergen Police Department ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director, Harry Delgado, at hdelgado@njsacop.org.
“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,” Farley added.
Accreditation, which the North Bergen PD has received three times, is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
“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,” Delgado explained.
“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.”
