Princeton Police Seek Accreditation, Request Public's Input

As part of Princeton Police Departments effort to become an accredited police department following the consolidation and Princeton Township, residents are invited to give input on the department. 

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will arrive on Sunday, Jan. 26 to examine the department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Capt. Nick Sutter said.

“Verification by the team that the Princeton 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,” Sutter said.

As part of this final assessment, employees and members of the public may provide comments by phone or email. The public may call (609) 924-0026 on Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to cmorgan@princetonnj.gov. 

Phone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards, a copy of which is available for inspection at the Princeton Police Department, 1 Valley Road, Princeton, N.J. Please contact Lt. Christopher Morgan at (609) 921-2100 ext.1831.

Written comments about the department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation should be sent to: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

Princeton must comply with 100 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 advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs," Sutter said. 

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. 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,” said Harry Delgado, the Accreditation Program Manager for the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Accreditation is valid for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance.