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Linden Police Department awarded state accreditation, city officials say
Summary
At a Linden City Council meeting the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association presented initial accreditation to the Linden Police Department; officials described the multiyear process and its operational implications.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission presented initial accreditation to the Linden Police Department at a Linden City Council meeting, a recognition city and department officials said demonstrates compliance with statewide policing standards.
The accreditation presentation, delivered by Harry Delgado of the state chiefs association, noted the department completed a multiyear review and demonstrated compliance with dozens of standards. The Linden Police Department’s chief, David Hart, accepted the recognition and thanked the department’s command staff and the council for support.
The accreditation program administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission assesses agencies against a written set of standards and requires documented proof of compliance, Delgado said. He told the council the review covers more than 112 standards and “over 400 plus items” of documentation submitted for the on-site assessment.
"Under the leadership of Chief Hart, a high level of competence, leadership, and professionalism is evident within the agency," Delgado said during the presentation. He added that the accreditation process had benefited the department in areas including policy development, internal compliance, technology and community engagement.
Chief Hart said the work to prepare for the assessment was a "herculean task," thanking Sergeant Leon Pastor, who served as the department’s accreditation manager, and command staff members singled out during the meeting. Hart said the department’s 150-plus sworn and civilian personnel contributed to the effort and thanked the mayor and council for financial and personnel support that enabled the department to complete the process.
Council members and the mayor offered congratulations from the dais. The presentation was ceremonial; no formal council action was required.
The accreditation recognizes the Linden Police Department as one of the state agencies that have completed the voluntary, standards-based review, officials said. The presentation materials provided to the council noted the accreditation is intended to promote transparency, standardized practices and preparedness.
