A team of assessors will be at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday as part of becoming accredited.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police team will examine all aspects of the office’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office 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,” Prosecutor Damon Tyner said.
Those who want to supply written comments about the office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is asked to email Accreditation Program Director Harry Delgado 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, NJ 08053.
“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” Delgado explained. “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,” he said.
Employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team.
Calls from the public are being accepted from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at 609-909-7733.
Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.
“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,” Tyner said.
A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, 4997 Unami Blvd., Mays Landing, NJ 08330.
Email comments can be sent to Prosecutor’s Office Agent Mark Cooker cooker_m@acpo.org. He may be reached at 609-909-7881.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office must comply with NJSACOP LEAP, or Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, standards in order to achieve accredited status.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
