‘It’s truly remarkable’

The Washington Township Police Department was officially awarded reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) for three years.

“Under the leadership of Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik, (the department) has done exemplary work and built positive relationships with community,” said accreditation director Harry Delgado.

” … They are embedded in the community.”

It’s the department’s second accreditation, which puts it an exclusive category of less than 12% of all state agencies to receive a second one, Delgado noted. He presented an award for the achievement at a township council meeting on March 26.

The designation is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of the 99 men and women of the Washington Township Police Department, according to Gurcsik.

The accreditation encourages law-enforcement agencies to follow standardized practices and policies. It is potentially a lifesaving and cost-effective investment in time and resources, Delgado noted.

“Accreditation gives agencies a preparedness plan and verification of excellence,” he explained. “This prestigious accredited status demonstrates Chief Gurcsik’s firm commitment to state and national standards and continued expectation, quality professional and ethical policing.”

“This is significantly a response, a positive response of the community that they serve,” emphasized Delgado, who got calls and emails regarding the department during the accreditation process. “It’s truly remarkable.

“The common thread of all calls were the tremendous efforts from the department and Chief Gurcsik that have been made with the residents,” he added. “The innovative programs such as Cops and Bobbers … (and the) department-owned ice cream truck.”

These programs show that the department “prioritizes positive contact with the community,” Delgado observed.

“Honestly, I wish I had thought about this when I was actually active … all these great ideas to engage the community.”