On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will
examine all aspects of the Springfield Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief John P. Cook announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Springfield 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 Cook said.
As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general
public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by
telephone or email. The public may call (973) 912-2249 on Wednesday, December 13,
2023 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.. Email comments can be sent to
[email protected] .
Phone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability
to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Lieutenant Ryan Westover at
(973) 921-1996 for more information.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Springfield Police
Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to e-mail
the Accreditation Program Director at [email protected] or write the New Jersey
State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at
751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.
The Springfield Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards
in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Cook 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 Director for the New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S.. “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 inspect 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”,
Harry J Delgado stated.

SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must
submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards
under which it was initially accredited.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey
Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation
agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law
Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey
State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at
751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email [email protected] .