Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment for NJIT Police Department

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will virtually examine all aspects of the NJIT Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Joseph Marswillo announced today. This assessment will occur on Monday, August 24, 2020.

“Verification by the team that the NJIT Police Department meets the Commission’s 'best practice' standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Chief Marswillo said.

As part of the assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling (973) 642-4173 on Monday, August 24, 2020 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the NJIT Police Department, located at 154 Summit Street, Newark, N.J. 07102. The local contact is Lieutenant Michael V. Villani, who can be reached at (973) 596-3119.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the NJIT Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The NJIT Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Marswillo indicated, “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.”

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” Delgado stated.