It was a long and grueling process, but the Medford Police Department did it.
As of April 14, the Medford Police Department has joined an exclusive group of police agencies that are currently accredited by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Commission.
The department received official accreditation status, a measure that was approved by a unanimous vote from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
Chief Eric Mason, NJLEAC chair executive, made a presentation to Medford Police Department Executive Officer Cpt. Keith McIninch, Accreditation Manager Lt. Jeffery Wagner, and Assistant Accreditation Manager Sgt. William Dunleavy during a Commission hearing in Princeton.
“This coveted accreditation status represents a significant benchmark accomplishment in the professional performance of any law enforcement agency. It signifies a level of professional organization and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement that very few other police agencies have achieved,” NJSACOP Accreditation Program Manager Cpt. Harry Delgado said.
The accreditation process can take up to two years to complete and entails multiple phases.
It begins with an application from the police agency, which is followed by a self assessment, police development, mock assessment, commission on-site assessment, public hearing and commission review.
A mock evaluation is used to identify any issues or areas of concern that might not meet NJLEAC standards. After the mock has been completed, the final evaluation, an intensive, three-day, on-site evaluation of all departmental procedures and policies, follows.
The typical evaluation involves verifying compliance of more than 112 separate law enforcement policies and standards and touches upon every aspect of policing from racial profiling to administrative procedures, operations, promotions, use of force, and pursuit policy.
The final evaluation report, which is submitted to the NJSACOP Accreditation Commission by the assessor team leader, represents a comprehensive, complete and detailed analysis of the subject department and usually is 25–30 pages.
Organizations that receive accreditation are re-evaluated every three years to ensure that they maintain accreditation standards. They also are eligible to apply for national Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognition.
Accredited organizations may qualify for a significant discount in their liability insurance which helps justify the time, effort and expense involved in achieving accreditation.
