Glen Rock Police Seeking 100-Point State Accreditation

The Glen Rock Police Department is in the middle of seeking state accreditation, and it’s asking for the public’s input about the job police officers have been doing in the borough.

Police Chief Frederick P. Stahman announced in a release this week that the PD is currently undergoing review by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for its voluntary accreditation. The prestigious program grades police departments against a set of over 100 operational standards.

Starting Sunday, a team of offers from the NJSACOP will be in the borough to do an on-site evaluation of the department.

“Verification by the team that the Glen Rock Police Department meets the Commission’s 'best practice' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Stahman said.

As part of the assessment, members of the public can submit verbal and written comments about the PD, according to the following guidelines:

• The public may call 201-652-3805 on March 24, 2014, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Email comments can be sent to friggio@glenrockpolice.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 is available for inspection at the Glen Rock Police Department 1 Harding Plaza, Glen Rock N.J. 07452. Please contact Sgt. Frank Riggio at 201-670-3941 Ext. 8127. 
• Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Glen Rock Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

If the department receives the accreditation – which lasts for three years – Stahman said the borough will benefit in several ways.

“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,” he said.