County commissioners formally congratulated county Sheriff James Kostoplis, his command staff and all officers and civilian employees on Feb. 11.
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office made history last year when it earned its first accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.
To honor of that groundbreaking achievement, the county commissioners held a recognition ceremony at their Feb. 11 meeting to formally congratulate Sheriff James Kostoplis, his command staff and all officers and civilian employees in the office.
The commission was created as a credentialing authority in 1979, and its accreditation is reserved for public-safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with commission standards.
To receive accreditation status, all aspects of the county sheriff’s office policies, procedures, management, operations and support services were examined to determine compliance with 181 best practices standards. The process began more than two years ago, when the sheriff secured a Department of Justice grant that funded all expenses related to the initiative.
“Achieving accreditation sends a message to our county’s residents, business owners and visitors (that) they can rely on the sheriff’s office to both adhere to the highest levels of professionalism possible and to always be accountable to those they protect and serve,” Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel – liaison to the Department of Public Safety – said at the recognition ceremony.
“From securing the courthouse and county facilities to locating fugitives, installing car seats and supporting local police departments, the sheriff’s office delivers a wide variety of services that help keep our residents safe and secure.”
Eckel also touched on what accreditation says about the sheriff’s office.
“You not only help make Burlington County a safer place to live and work, but also a compassionate one where residents feel confident they can look to law enforcement for help and support,” she noted. “Accreditation is a reflection of your dedication and commitment to that mission and your willingness to go above and beyond.”
