Crime & Safety

Police Seek Feedback for Upcoming Review

Department working on attaining accreditation and needs public comments on practices, procedures.

The Hillsborough Township Police Department is undergoing a top-to-bottom review by other law enforcement officials as part of a process to gain accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and need the public's help for the process.

Next week, a team of assessors from the NJSACOP will arrive to comb through the department's policies, observe officers' at work and hear from the public about their interactions with police.

"Verification by the team that the Hillsborough Township 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 Paul Kaminsky said.

Residents can submit comments for the assessment by sending email to chiefkaminsky@hillsboroughpolice.org or by calling 908-369-4323, ext. 646, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesday. Phone calls will be limited to five minutes, and "must address the agency's ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards."

Written comments can also be sent to NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11000 Lincoln Dr. W., Suite 12, Marlton, NJ, 08053.

Chief Kaminsky said attaining the accreditation will benefit the township and residents by reducing risk and liability exposure, including stringer defense against civil lawsuits. The accreditation, which includes a checklist of 100 standards the department must meet, also ensures better accountability, increased community advocacy and "More confidence in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs."

Program Manager Harry Delgado said the assessment will be undertaken by a team composed of law enforcement officers with experience in similar departments to Hillsborough's. 

"The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed," Delgado said. "Once the commission's assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide of the agency is is to be granted accredited status."

The accreditation is valid for three year, and requires the department to submit annual reports to maintain.


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