At the May 8 Committee meeting, the Plainsboro police department was officially recognized by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police as an accredited agency in the NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
In order to receive state accreditation, a law enforcement agency must comply with 112 standards. Because of such stringent standards, only a few state law enforcement agencies are able to obtain the status.
It took the department nearly three years to receive official accreditation. Said Chief Guy Armour: “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.”
After the award was presented to Armour and Corporal Brett Olma by NJSACOP accreditation manager Harry Delgado, Deputy Mayor Neil Lewis praised the police department, saying, “Verification by the team that the Plainsboro Township Police Department meets or exceeds the Commission’s `best practice’ standards is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. The Township Council and Police Department are both very proud of this accomplishment. It is a confirmation to the Plainsboro community that it will continue to receive the high level of service it knows and enjoys.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with the standards. Prior to the end of the three-year period, the police department must seek re-accreditation.
