Avalon Police Department Receives 3rd Accreditation

AVALON – The Avalon Police Department received its third, three-year accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
According to a release, during this process, the Avalon Police Department received a 100% compliance, putting the department in the top 1% of departments statewide that have been re-accredited for a second time with a perfect compliance record.
“This is an outstanding achievement by the Avalon Police Department and represents that we have one of the finest, most well-trained departments in the State of New Jersey”, stated Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Our community is very grateful for the professionalism of the Avalon Police Department and thankful for its third consecutive accreditation”.
Harry Delgado from the NJSACOP presented the reaccreditation certificate to Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher and Sgt. Eric Heisman during the Aug. 14 meeting of the Avalon Borough Council. During his remarks, Delgado noted that approximately 43% of police departments in New Jersey are accredited, and only 11% of the departments have been reaccredited for the second time. Only 1% of departments statewide that have been reaccredited twice, did so with perfect compliance.
This spring, a team of assessors from the Association Board came to Avalon to inspect the Avalon Police Department and reviewed standard operating procedures and all policies. The board determined that the Avalon Police Department had no deficiencies, and was in 100% compliance with all standards of the NJSACOP accreditation. 
The accreditation process proves that the Avalon Police Department is compliant in all facets of operations. Accreditation also saves the borough on insurance premiums, as accredited departments are less likely to be exposed to expensive lawsuits.
The process of becoming an accredited police department is a continuous process throughout the year. The Avalon Police Department is obligated to provide specific proof and evidence that the department is following the guidelines of the NJSACOP accreditation as well as following its own policies and procedures.