On May 14, 2024, a team from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police, evaluating their policies, management, operations, and support services, according to Chief Steven Shallop.
This assessment is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, which is considered a high honor in law enforcement for demonstrating professional excellence. Chief Shallop emphasized that the verification of compliance with NJSACOP’s “best practice” standards would significantly boost the agency’s credibility.
As part of the on-site evaluation, the assessment team invites both employees and the public to provide feedback via phone or email. Calls can be made to 201-321-7485 on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., while emails can be sent to jwatkins@pippd.org. Comments should be limited to five minutes and focus on the agency’s adherence to NJSACOP standards. For additional information, Lieutenant Jock Watkins can be contacted at the same number.
Written comments about the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police’s compliance with accreditation standards can be emailed to Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado at hdelgado@njsacop.org, or sent by mail to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.
Chief Shallop highlighted that accreditation ensures greater agency accountability, minimizes liability, strengthens legal defense, and improves community trust and responsiveness. The assessment team, consisting of practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies, will review documents, interview staff, and inspect relevant facilities. Following their evaluation, the team will report to the Commission, which will determine the agency’s accreditation status.
Accreditation remains valid for three years, requiring annual compliance reports. The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the state’s recognized accreditation authority. For further details, contact the Commission via email at hdelgado@njsacop.org or by mail at the Marlton address.