Public Invited To Give Thoughts On Secaucus Police Dispatch

SECAUCUS, NJ — On Friday, March 5, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the Secaucus Police Department’s Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (commonly known as dispatch), including policies and procedures, management, operations and how dispatchers and the police interact with the public.

Dispatch is the No. 1 way the public most often encounters Secaucus Police, either in the form of making 911 calls or calling the Secaucus Police main number (201-330-2060).

As part of this final on-site assessment, Secaucus Police employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to a NJSACOP assessor. They may do so by telephone or email.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Secaucus Police dispatch can email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Rt. 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, NJ 08053.

The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S.

The public may call 201-330-2054 on March 5, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Email comments can be sent to Chief Dennis Miller at dmiller@secaucus.net.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP Public Safety Communications Centers standards. Please contact Chief Miller at 201-330-2045 for information about the standards.

"The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed," said Delgado. "Once the Commission’s assessor completes 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."

The Secaucus Police Department has been an accredited police agency and has maintained that status since 2015. This is a new accreditation program solely for dispatch centers and SPD is targeted to be the first department in New Jersey to complete the program.

“Verification that the Secaucus Police (dispatch) meets the Commission’s 'best practices' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence," said Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller. “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits and increased community advocacy."

The Secaucus Police Department Public Safety Communications Center must comply with NJSACOP standards in order to achieve accredited status. Accreditation is valid for a three-year period and the Secaucus Police Dept. must continue to submit annual reports to remain accredited.

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

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