HTPD Earns Accreditation

The Howell Township Police Department was recently recognized with accreditation by two major law enforcement organizations.

The New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police gave accreditation through its NJ Law Enforcement Accreditation Program and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) according to a press release from the department.

With Sgt. David Flaherty serving as the department's Accreditation Manager an assessment team visited the department for two days to perform the assessment. There was an eight phase process that started with an application and included self assessment, policy development, mock assessment as well as the review, a public hearing and another review by the commission.

During the process the department was given a thorough review of every aspect including organization, management, operations and administration. The accreditation showed the department complied with the best practices in four areas including policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services.

Chief Ronald Carter said it was a proud accomplishment for the department to receive the accreditation. "This recognition could not have been achieved during the past economic recession and staff reductions, without the efforts of all the employees of this agency," he said about the officers and support staff. Carter said the accreditation process happened, "during the most stressful period in the history of this department," making it that much more impressive. 

In the press release the accreditation process is described as "a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances."

It adds, "Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective."