The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2021
Secaucus Police Department Communications Center - Public Safety Answering Point ( PSAP ) First Accredited in New Jersey by NJSACOP Accreditation Commission
By Capt . Harry J . Delgado , Ed . S ( Ret .), NJSACOP LEAP-PSAP Accreditation Program Director
The Secaucus Communications Center – Public Safety Answering Point ( PSAP ) is the first Emergency Communications Center granted accredited status under the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Program .
This program includes voluntary standards for communications agencies within the State of New Jersey . There are forty-seven ( 47 ) NJSACOP Communication Standards ; 32 ( 68 %) of which are directly aligned with the NJSACOP law enforcement standards . Agencies already accredited by NJSACOP LEAP would need to comply with fifteen ( 15 ) additional standards as well as demonstrate they have maintained compliance with all 47 NJSACOP Communications standards .
Chief Dennis Miller stated upon receiving the news , “ Undertaking the NJSACOP PSAP Accreditation allowed us to highlight the extraordinary work our dispatchers do on a daily basis . I am honored to be the first agency to complete the program and it is an example of the quality of work performed by the Secaucus Police Department .”
On March 11 , 2021 twenty-seven ( 27 ) law enforcement agencies were reviewed by the NJSACOP Accreditation Commission and granted Accredited and Reaccredited status respectively . Due to the current conditions this process was completed remotely , as scheduled , providing these agencies an opportunity to meet their timelines .
We welcome the following agencies as the newest members to this prestigious group of accredited law enforcement agencies in New Jersey : Stafford Township Police Department , Morristown Police Department , Franklin Borough Police Department , Hillsdale Police Department , New Milford Police Department , Fort Lee Police Department , Westfield Police Department , and Maywood Police Department . The following agencies received reaccreditation : Hazlet Police Department , Maplewood Police Department , Denville Police Department , Plumsted Township Police Department , Park Ridge Police Department , Springfield Police Department , Cumberland County Prosecutor ' s Office , Wall Township Police Department , Hackensack Police Department , Cumberland County Sheriff ' s Office , Ventnor City Police Department , Asbury Park Police Department , North Haledon Police Department , Little Egg Harbor Police Department , Burlington City Police Department , Sea Girt Police Department , Mendham Borough Police Department , and Ocean Gate 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 . Agencies 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 reaccreditation 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 .
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