TOMS RIVER – Toms River Police Chief Mitchell A. Little announced that the public is welcome to comment on the Department’s policies and procedures.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will be examining all aspects of the Department on December 12, including policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Toms River 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 Little said.
Part of the final assessment includes employees and members of the general public providing comments to the assessment team. The public can also provide their comments by phone or email.
The public may call 732-349-0150 ext. 1119 on December 12 between the hours of 10 to 11 a.m. You can email comments to Toms River Police Lieutenant Peter Sundack at psundack@trpolice.org. Phone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Contact Lt. Sundack at 732-349-0150 ext. 1294 for information about the standards.
Anyone who wants to submit a written comment about the Toms River Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director 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.
“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,” Chief Little said.
“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,” Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S. said.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which the agency has to submit annual reports verifying to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
