The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2020
NJSACOP LEAP Commission Reviews Twelve ( 12 ) Agencies
By Capt . Harry J . Delgado , Ed . S ( Ret .), NJSACOP LEAP-PSAP Accreditation Program Director
On October 8 , 2020 twelve ( 12 ) law enforcement agencies were reviewed by the NJSACOP Accreditation Commission and granted Accredited or Reaccredited status . Due to the current conditions this process was completed remotely , providing these agencies an opportunity to meet their timelines .
We welcome the Harrison Township Police Department as the newest member to this prestigious group of accredited law enforcement agencies in New Jersey . The following agencies received reaccreditation : Fair Haven Police Department , Glen Rock Police Department , Harvey Cedars Police Department , Howell Police Department , Medford Police Department , Monroe Township ( Gloucester County ) Police Department , New Jersey Institute of Technology Police Department , Piscataway Township Police Department , Randolph Police Department , Sayreville Police Department , and the Union County Police Department .
During these uniquely challenging times , and the threat to the health and safety of our law enforcement officers , encouraging police agencies to follow standardized practices and policies is a potentially lifesaving , and cost-effective , investment of time and resources .
Many agencies continue to reach out to us expressing their interest in maintaining their accredited status under this pandemic . Sixty ( 62 ) agencies have been accredited thus far this year . They recognize that management studies by self-insured pooling organizations indicate that Accreditation ( best practices ) significantly reduces the risk factors associated with police operations , particularly during trying times , as we adjust the delivery of police services to meet the challenges brought about by Coronavirus .
The NJSACOP LEAP has developed a completely “ virtual ” assessment process leveraging the technology provided by PowerDMS Power Standards and 911eye . We are able to review all files remotely , and securely capture video of agency tours and interviews . Video recordings have GPS and auditing capabilities enhancing the integrity of the assessment process .
If you are an agency due for re-accreditation or initial accreditation requesting to schedule an assessment or have any questions , please reach out to me via email at hdelgado @ njsacop . org .
Accreditation gives an agency a preparedness plan and verification of excellence .
Once again , on behalf of the NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission , please accept my best wishes to all of our member agencies , their personnel and the Chiefs that lead them , and thank you for all that you are doing to protect and serve our communities under the most difficult of conditions .
UCR data tool has been replaced
The Uniform Crime Reporting ( UCR ) data tool has been replaced by the FBI ’ s Crime Data Explorer ( CDE ). Effective Friday , November 6 , 2020 , the UCR data tool will no longer be available and visitors will be automatically forwarded to the CDE . Police agencies should update their bookmarks accordingly .
The CDE is an interactive tool that presents charts and graphs that break down data in a variety of ways . The CDE also offers an Application Programming Interface ( API ) that allows developers to make interactive applications to share large amounts of data in meaningful ways . Users of the API will be able to access UCR data from 1979 to the current publication . UCR data can also be found in the Crime in the United States publications .
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