Cranford Police Department Seeks Reaccreditation From State

The Cranford Police Department is seeking professional reaccreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, whose distinguished members represent the finest in the law enforcement profession in the state of New Jersey

The NJSACOP bases its recognition on measurement of an agency’s performance in adhering to 112 “best practice” standards developed for law enforcement organizations throughout the state. The Cranford Police Department was initially accredited in December 2006, and reaccredited in December 2009. This will be the agency’s second application for reaccreditation.

The overall purpose of the NJSACOP accreditation program was designed to improve delivery of law enforcement service by offering a body of standards, developed by law enforcement practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date law enforcement topics. It recognizes professional achievements by offering an orderly and voluntary process for addressing and complying with applicable standards.

“Accreditation is an ongoing process. Our efforts to successfully continue in the program began in January 2010 with a thorough reevaluation of our agency’s programs, activities and operations as they related to NJSACOP standards,” explains Chief Eric G. Mason. “This led to a continuing focus on areas such as responsibilities and relationships with other agencies; organization, management and administration; personnel administration; auxiliary and technical support and law enforcement operation and support.”

The Cranford Police Department underwent its “mock assessment” this past September, during which time several members of the NJSACOP accreditation team addressed a number of required standards for review and comment. “The mock assessment went extremely well, and we received valuable, constructive comments,” reported Chief Mason. “We have the utmost confidence in the expertise of the NJSACOP accreditation team and are secure in the practices
and procedures of the Cranford Police Department.”

As a final step in the renewal process, the Cranford Police Department will host two professional law enforcement assessors for a two-day long, on-site review beginning Dec. 9, 2012. These assessors will visit the Cranford Police Department headquarters, interviewing personnel, reviewing policies, procedures, documentation and proofs of compliance. The assessors will
also attend “ride-along” tours with members of the Cranford Police Department and will be available to the public for discussion via a telephone call-in session at a predetermined date and time.

According to Chief Eric Mason, pursuit of NJSACOP reaccreditation will promote the agency’s existing efforts in areas such as: long-range operational and strategic plans; expanded crime prevention and community involvement; maintaining feedback from the community, victims and employees; career development; training opportunities; and enhanced victim assistance efforts.

Another benefit of the reaccreditation process is that it addresses officer safety issues and mandates adequate training and equipment for officers in the Cranford Police Department. It enables officers in the department to have confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s operation.

Other potential benefits of NJSACOP reaccreditation include controlled liability insurance costs, administrative improvements, greater accountability from supervisors and increased governmental and community support.

“We encourage the public to take advantage of the opportunity to address the assessors through questions or comments regarding the accreditation process and/or to contact the Cranford Police Department directly,” stated Chief Mason. “We also invite those interested to participate in the phone-in session on Monday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.to noon by dialing 908-272-8178.”