The Hopewell Township Police Department has been recognized as an accredited police agency by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
To achieve this accreditation status the Police Department had to meet 105 “best practice” standards set out by the accreditation commission. All of the Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services were reviewed by a team of assessors from the NJSACOP.
A Certificate of Accreditation was awarded to the Department on Monday, March 13th, at the Hopewell Township Committee meeting. The NJSACOP Accreditation Program manager, Harry Delgado, presented the Certificate to Chief Lance Maloney and Sergeant Michael Cseremsak, while fellow officers looked on. Sergeant Cseremsak serves as the Department’s accreditation manager and worked on this accreditation process for the past two years.
Left to Right: Hopewell Township Administrator Paul Pogorzelski, Deputy Mayor Julie Blake, Chief Lance Maloney, Sergeant Michael Cseremsak, NJSACOP Accreditation Program Manager Harry Delgado and Mayor Kevin Kuchinski
“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” said Chief Maloney.
While this accreditation status is valid for three years, the Hopewell Township Police Department will submit annual reports proving that the Department remains compliant with the standards set forth by the accreditation commission.
“The Police Department would like to thank our residents, religious leaders, business owners, school district partners, and our fellow law enforcement and emergency personnel partners for their letters, emails and phone calls of support during our on-site assessment phase of this process,” Chief Maloney said.
Chief Maloney went on to thank fellow Hopewell Township employees, the Hopewell Township Committee, and The Rodgers Group for their assistance and encouragement in attaining this goal.
“This recognition as an accredited law enforcement agency reflects positively on the dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Hopewell Township Police Department making this accreditation possible,” said Chief Maloney.
