Morris Plains Police Up for Accreditation

The is up for accreditation—a recognition of personal excellence—and members of the public can take part in the process. Read on for the police department's full statment:

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, May 6, 2012, to examine all aspects of the Morris Plains Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Scott Thompson announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Morris Plains 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”, Chief Thompson said.

 As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 973-538-2284 ext. 114 on Monday, May 7, 2012 between 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 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 Morris Plains Police Department, located at 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, N.J. 07950. The local contact is Detective Sergeant Jason Kohn, who can be reached at (973) 538-2284 ext. 111.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Morris Plains Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, N.J. 08053

The Morris Plains Police Department must comply with 112 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Thompson indicated, “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.”

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado. “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”, Harry J Delgado stated.

Accreditation 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 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 please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, N.J. 08053