With its fourth reaccreditation status through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), the Old Bridge Police Department joins an elite group – less than 6% – of law enforcement agencies across the state.
“That includes the prosecutor’s office, the sheriff’s department and the like,” said Harry Delgado, accreditation program director from NJSACOP, “any legitimate police department in New Jersey.
“That’s quite remarkable.”
About 54% of all the law enforcement agencies in the state that have applied for the accreditation program have made it through. About 32% have made it twice. And about 12% have made it three times.
“The Old Bridge Police Department made it four times,” Delgado said at a Township Council meeting on Oct. 6.
His comments were followed by applause from those who attended the meeting.
“The Old Bridge Police Department has once again made a commitment to adhering to the best practices [on a] state and national level in the highly regarded state law enforcement accreditation program,” Delgado said.
This program administered through NJSACOP and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission has transparently demonstrated the professionalism, transparency, and preparedness of state’s law enforcement agencies.
“Accreditation is more than a professional distinction,” Delgado said. “It’s a strategic investment in organizational excellence. It positions law enforcement agencies like the Old Bridge Police Department to operate at the highest level of professionalism while enhancing public trust, reducing risk and promoting long term operational success.”
The accreditation status represents Police Chief Thomas Montagna’s “firm commitment to state and national standards and the continued expectations for quality, professional and ethical policing of the Old Bridge Police Department” Delgado said.
“Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery,” he said.
The reaccreditation process takes up to three years.
“Under Chief Thomas Montagna, a high level of competence, leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency,” said Delgado, paraphrasing from the reaccreditation report. “While future challenges involve expansion of commercial and residential building in town, increase in population or continued efforts in community policing, the Old Bridge Police Department will continue to move forward following best practices, a preparedness plan, and a verification of excellence.”
Montagna thanked all the officers for their hard work to make the reaccreditation status possible.
“This certificate is a reflection of their dedication and commitment to the department,” he said.
Township Council President Mary Sohor said the chief always sets the bar high for the entire department.
“We are ‘Old Bridge proud’ of you and [the entire Old Bridge Police Department] for what you do for us,” she said.
