Residents who want to weigh in on the Hightstown Police Department, which is seeking accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, may do so through a short telephone call to the assessment team on Feb. 6.
During its onsite visit to the Hightstown Police Department, the assessment team will listen to comments from employees and the public between 10-11 a.m. Telephone comments are limited to five minutes. Callers may contact the team at (609) 286-4612. Email comments can be sent to police@hightstownpd.org.
Telephone comments and written comments must address the Hightstown Police Department’s ability to comply with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) standards. Information about the standards is available by contacting Lt. Benjamin Miller at (609) 448-1234, ext. 508.
Written comments about the Hightstown Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation can be emailed to Harry Delgado, the accreditation program director, at hdelgado@njascop.org. They may also be mailed to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.
The assessment team is made up of law enforcement officers from similar law enforcement agencies, Delgado said. They will examine all aspects of the Hightstown Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services during their visit Feb. 6.
The assessors will review written materials and interview police department employees. They will visit offices and other places where compliance with standards can be observed, Delgado said.
Once the assessment team completes its review of the Hightstown Police Department, it will report to the full commission, which will decide whether the police department should be granted accredited status, he said. Accreditation is valid for three years.
Police Chief Frank Gendron said verification by the team that the Hightstown Police Department meets the commission’s best practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation.
“Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Gendron said.
Accreditation results in greater accountability within the police department, reduces risk and liability exposure and stronger defense against civil lawsuits, he said.
“It also results in increased community advocacy and more confidence in the police department’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Gendron said.
