Accredited Law Enforcement Agency

In 2012, the South River Police Department attained accreditation with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). Since then, the South River Police Department has achieved re-accreditation in 2015 and 2018, as confirmation of remaining in good standing. The triennial re-accreditation process will once again take place in 2021.

What is accreditation? The voluntary NJSACOP accreditation process ensures a law enforcement agency is complying with the best standards of practice and professional objectives. These goals are accomplished through the implementation of departmental policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. Accredited status represents a significant professional achievement.

What are the concepts behind accreditation? Accreditation is a progressive and time-proven method of assisting law enforcement agencies to calculate and improve their overall performance.  The foundation of Accreditation lies in the adoption of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these standards and objectives.

What are the benefits of accreditation? Accreditation ensures the law enforcement agency is conducting both the minimum mandatory training and additional elective training, allowing the agency to best serve the community. Accreditation also reduces liability risk for law enforcement agencies. In addition, accredited agencies may also be eligible for insurance rate discounts.

Who develops and oversees the accreditation program? The NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, consisting of commissioners. They have the overall responsibility of adoption of program standards.

How is accreditation attained? Once the above standards, objectives, policies, and procedures are in place, a team of trained, independent assessors verifies that they have been successfully implemented. This consists of an onsite visit and inspection as well as the opportunity for the public to comment and offer feedback on the agency. The team's assessment reports are then reviewed by the NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, who makes the final decision whether or not to grant accredited status to the agency.

Where can I find additional information? Additional information can be obtained by clicking here.