PUBLIC NOTICE

    On February 24, 2007 through February 27, 2007, the Ewing Police Department will be assessed by members of the New Jersey Public Safety Accreditation Coalition.  The assessment is the culmination of a three year accreditation program the department has undertaken in coordination with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police as part of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.  The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police has developed a voluntary statewide law enforcement accreditation program specifically designed for New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.

    Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that the police department has met specific requirements and prescribed standards.  Additionally, accreditation is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies improve their overall performance.   There are many benefits to a police department achieving accreditation status including increasing the police department’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of services.

    The Ewing Police Department has to comply with 146 accreditation standards that have been developed by the Accreditation Commission, (a New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Committee), based primarily upon national standards developed by CALEA (The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) as well as New Jersey statutory and regulatory law. 

    The Accreditation manager for the Ewing Police Department is Sergeant David Muller.  The Assistant Accreditation Manager is Officer Daniel McGuire.  The assessors are trained board members of the New Jersey Public Safety Accreditation Coalition.  They are identified as Chief John Coyle, Egg Harbor Township Police Department and Capt. Lou Moreto, Manalapan P.D.  The assessors will review written materials and policies, interview individuals, observe policies in practice and visit various offices and units throughout the Ewing Police Department to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.  Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they present their findings in full report form to the Accreditation Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.

    As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on February 25, 2007 at 7:00PM, which will be held in the Township Council’s chambers which is located on the second floor of the municipal building at 2 Jake Garzio Dr.

    Those unable to attend the public hearing that wish to offer comments or speak to assessors may do so by telephone.  The public may call (609) 882-3784 between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Monday, February 26, 2007.  Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with accreditation standards. The Ewing Police Department must comply with 146 standards in order gain accreditation.  A copy of the standards will be made available at the Ewing Police Department’s information window.  Anyone with questions or wishing a copy of the accreditation standards should contact the accreditation manager, Sgt. David Muller at (609) 882-1313 ext. 7612.