A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will examine all aspects of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services on Monday, June 23, Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland has announced.

“Verification by the team that the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office 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,” Sutherland said.

As part of the on-site assessment, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team, by telephone or email. The public may call 609-465-1135, ext. 3382, on June 23 between 10 and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at pros_general_emails@cmcpros.net.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with chiefs association standards. For information about the standards, contact Det. Vinnie Carannante at 609-465-1135.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is asked to email the accreditation program director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or to write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 north, Suite 12 Marlton NJ 08053.

Sutherland said, “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.”

Accreditation is for a three-year period during which time the Prosecutor’s Office must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with the standards under which it was accredited.