At the Township Committee meeting on March 22, 2022, Chief Cook read the following correspondence from Mr. Harry J. Delgado who is the Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

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Having achieved their second re-accreditation, the Springfield Police Department for nearly a decade, has made a commitment to adhering to best practices at the state and national level in a highly regarded voluntary statewide law enforcement accreditation program. This long-term commitment to state accreditation places the Springfield Police Department in an exclusive group of law enforcement agencies of less than 8% in New Jersey.  This program, administered through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission has helped to transparently demonstrate the professionalism and preparedness of the State's law enforcement agencies. The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is purposefully designed to enhance the professionalism and transparency in the State's public safety system.

During these uniquely challenging times, and the threat to our health and safety, encouraging law enforcement agencies to follow standardized practices and policies is a potentially lifesaving, and cost-effective investment of time and resources.

Accreditation gives an agency a preparedness plan and verification of excellence.

Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement. 

The Springfield Police Department’s goal is to work in partnership with the community and the other entities within the Township. They have successfully established a Junior Police

Academy to help teach the youth of the town about law enforcement and promote teamwork.

More recently, they have partnered with the Springfield Unity Project to help build a stronger bond between the Department and the community by co-hosting a meet and greet event.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Police Department has worked diligently with the Office of Emergency Management, First Aid Squad, Fire Department, and Public Works to establish healthy and safe guidelines while responding to calls of service.

They ensured all Officers were outfitted with proper PPE while at work and designed a new schedule to limit possible exposure to the virus.

Under its administration, the high level of competence, leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency. Officers are forward thinking and engaged in self-improvement.  

It is the opinion of the assessment team that the Springfield Police Department is a highly professional and committed agency which exemplifies all the tenets of Law Enforcement Accreditation at the state and national levels.   

Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S.