BERKELEY – While police departments throughout the state might have different regulations, there is a time-honored way to do things, and Berkeley’s been following that playbook for a number of years.
The NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police manages an accreditation program. They are an independent organization that looks over departments and determines if they have in place the best practice standards in five basic areas: the administrative function, personnel function, the operations function, the investigative function and the arrest/detainee function.
There are 112 standards that have to be met, and departments must provide 1,000 proofs. The accreditation process is a lengthy administrative undertaking that happens every three years.
Berkeley has achieved five cycles of accreditation, which means that they’ve gone through the process five consecutive times. Less than 4 percent of all departments in New Jersey can claim this feat, said NJSACOP Accreditation Program Director, Harry Delgado.
He spoke at a recent Township Council meeting, illustrating the department’s achievements.
“Berkeley has an excellent police department and I’m here to validate that,” he said.
Chief Kevin Santucci thanked Capt. Peter F. LaRocca and Detective Michael Riccardelli for spearheading this undertaking, in addition to all the employees who helped make this possible. He also thanked the mayor and Township Council for their support.
The NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission adopts program standards, reviews all assessment reports and approves all recommendations for the granting of accredited status of applicant agencies.
Accreditation is voluntary. Departments that make it through the process have policies and procedures that match top law enforcement standards. NJSACOP said that it will not ensure mistake-free policing or an absence of litigation against the police. “However, comprehensive and effective leadership through professionally based policy development is directly influenced by a law enforcement program that is thorough, complete, and obtainable, and based on standards that reflect professional best practices.”
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