The Berlin Police Department is seeking its first New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) accreditation.
A team of assessors from NJSACOP – law-enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey agencies – conducted an on-site assessment on May 18 where they examined all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief Michael Scheer announced.
“Verification by the team that the Berlin 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,” explained Scheer, who has been chief since 2023.
As part of the final on-site assessment, employees and members of the public were invited to weigh in. Lt. Joshua Smith fielded the calls and comments.
The police department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status. There are approximately 112 of them, according to the association website.
“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,” Scheer said.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which an agency must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with the standards under which it was initially accredited.
The NJSACOP is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, write to 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, in Marlton or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.
