Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis joined officers at this year’s Burlington County Farm Fair.
For the first time in its history, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office is now a nationally accredited law-enforcement agency.
Sheriff James Kostoplis announced the achievement by saying it reflects the office’s ongoing commitment to “excellence, transparency and community service.”
The Commission on Accreditation for Law-Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) notified the sheriff’s office of its award on Nov. 15, and Undersheriff Odie Carr and Det. Kevin Coffey traveled to Florida to accept it on behalf of Kostoplis. The certification remains in effect for four years.
To receive the status, all aspects of the sheriff’s office policies, procedures, management, operations and support services were examined to determine compliance with 181 best practices standards. The process began two years ago, when the office received a Department of Justice grant that funded all expenses related to the initiative.
“The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office has a long tradition of promoting public safety and service, but this accreditation represents an important milestone in our history,” Kostoplis said. “For the first time, residents will know that the sheriff’s office has been reviewed from top to bottom and been found to meet the highest standard for service and professionalism.”
The office is currently staffed by 72 sworn officers, along with 17 full- and part-time staffers who provide support services for the agency. Last year, it conducted 1,066 investigations; 299 traffic stops; and completed 9,399 calls for service, all while attending close to 300 community events.
“Accreditation is an achievement we are proud to obtain, but the process of reviewing and improving our procedures and services never stops,” Kostoplis noted. “We remain committed to upholding the highest standards and best level of service for Burlington County every day.”
