A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will conduct an on-site review of the Hopewell Township Police Department on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, as part of the department’s voluntary effort to achieve professional accreditation, Police Chief James Rosso announced.
The assessment will examine all aspects of the department’s operations, including policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Accreditation is awarded to agencies that meet established “best practice” standards for law enforcement.
As part of the assessment process, members of the public and department employees are invited to provide comments to the assessment team.
Public comments may be submitted by phone or email. Telephone comments will be accepted on Wednesday, Feb. 4, between 10 and 11 a.m., by calling 609-737-3100, ext. 5350. Email comments may be sent to [email protected].
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with NJSACOP accreditation standards. For information about the standards, the public may contact Sgt. Alexis Mirra at 609-737-3100, ext. 5230.
Written comments regarding the department’s compliance with accreditation standards may also be submitted directly to the NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission by emailing at [email protected] or by mail to:
New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police
Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission
751 Route 73 North, Suite 12
Marlton, NJ 08053
Chief Rosso said accreditation provides significant benefits, including greater accountability, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community confidence, and improved operational efficiency.
Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S., Accreditation Program Director for NJSACOP, said the assessment team is made up of law enforcement professionals from comparable New Jersey agencies. The team will review documents, interview department personnel, and visit facilities to observe compliance with accreditation standards. Following the review, the assessors will submit a report to the full Commission, which will determine whether accredited status is granted.
Accreditation, once awarded, is valid for three years. Accredited agencies must submit annual reports to demonstrate continued compliance with applicable standards.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the recognized law enforcement accreditation authority in New Jersey.
