A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will arrive at Manchester Township Police Headquarters on Monday March 11, to examine all aspects of the MTPD’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

“Verification by the team that the Manchester Township Police Department meets the Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accredited status, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence," Chief Lisa Parker said.

The Manchester Township Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community support and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs," Parker said.

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.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies," Harry Delgado, the Accreditation Program Manager for the NJSACOP, said. "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."

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team.

You may do so by calling (732) 849-8359 on Monday, March 11, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. or e-mail comments to tmalland@manchestertwp.com.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.

A copy of the standards are available for inspection at the Manchester Township Police Department, 1 Colonial Drive.

Please contact Captain Todd Malland at 732-657-2009 extension 4103.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Manchester Township Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accredition Program manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org or to write New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.

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