The Ewing Township Police Department has been accredited for an fourth consecutive time by the N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police.
NJSACOP is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the quality and performance of law enforcement in New Jersey. Its accreditation program is a voluntary process that holds police departments to a rigorous set of 412 specific standards, including areas such as policy development, operations, training and officer safety.
The program ensures that participating agencies meet or exceed best practices in policing, with a focus on accountability, professionalism and transparency.
The Ewing Police Department’s ability to meet all 412 standards highlights the department’s commitment to high-quality policing, said Harry Delgado, NJSACOP program director.
“This accreditation is an affirmation of excellence in policing,” Delgado said in his report to the town council on Sept. 24. He commended Ewing Township for its professionalism and strong leadership, even in the face of challenges like population growth and retail theft.
Police Chief Albert Rhodes expressed gratitude to Mayor Bert Steinmann, the Township Council, accreditation manager Capt. Charles Morgan, Lt. Kenneth Vagnozzi, Sgt. Nicholas Muscente and officers Alexandra McCliste and Jon Bag for their support throughout the accreditation process. He credited the department’s success to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of all Ewing Township officers.
“Accreditation is essential in maintaining the public’s trust to demonstrate the Ewing Police Department operates under “best practices” in law enforcement standards,” Rhodes said.
“Meeting the NJSACOP Commission’s vigorous standards and achieving re-accreditation is a highly sought-after accomplishment,” the Rhodes added. “Only 8 percent of police departments in New Jersey have received re-accreditation four or more times, highlighting the professional organization the Ewing Police Department continues to be.”
Mayor Bert Steinmann also praised the department. “Our police officers are the backbone of our community, and this fourth consecutive accreditation speaks volumes about their dedication to keeping Ewing safe. The professionalism and commitment of the Ewing Township Police Department make us proud, and I’m grateful for their continued service.”
Council President Kevin Baxter said that the accreditation validates the township’s investments in a force that respects and serves its residents.
Councilwoman Sarah Steward applauded the police for voluntarily opening themselves up to scrutiny by outside reviewers.
Councilman David Schroth emphasized that this achievement was not a “one-off,” but a reflection of ongoing commitment and quality training.
Councilwoman Jennifer Keyes-Maloney noted that the department consistently goes beyond minimum standards to embrace “best practices.”
Councilwoman Kathy Wollert said she appreciates the ability of the force to be nimble in the face of new and novel enforcement challenges, especially the changing rules surrounding recreational drug use.
Pictured, from left, Council President Kevin Baxter, Councilwoman Sarah Steward, Ewing Police Chief Albert Rhodes, Sgt. Nicholas Muscente, Lt. Kenneth Vagnozzi, Captain Charles Morgan, Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S., NJSACOP Program Director, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, and Councilman David Schroth.
Council President Kevin Baxter (left), Councilwoman Sarah Steward, Ewing Police Chief Albert Rhodes, Sgt. Nicholas Muscente, Lt. Kenneth Vagnozzi, Capt. Charles Morgan, NJSACOP Program Director Harry Delgado, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney and Councilman David Schroth.,
