The Brookdale Police Department has officially been accredited through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
The designation, awarded to a select group of police departments throughout New Jersey, recognizes law enforcement agencies that adopt, implement and uphold the highest standards for professional excellence.
Following an intensive, 18-month self-study and more than two years of comprehensive internal and external review, Brookdale Police Captain Robert Kimler and Lt. Michael Halpin announced that the department had been granted NJSACOP accreditation during the Brookdale Board of Trustees public meeting on April 19.
On hand to recognize the department and its officers were members of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Brookdale’s trustee board, and college President Dr. Maureen Murphy.
“All of us here tonight value campus safety as our number one priority,” Murphy said. “To that end, our police have risen to the challenge to become the most professional and best organization they could be.”
As part of the accreditation process, the police department had conduct a thorough internal review and ensure that it complied with 105 NJSACOP standards for police operations. The department also had to submit 467 different “proofs” documenting that each standard had been adopted. Finally, Brookdale police welcomed a team of trained law enforcement assessors to campus in February for a final, on-site review.
“I was there for that visit,” Murphy told the officers on April 19. “I have never seen anything like it. You guys just made us proud. It was a wonderful, wonderful moment.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley, who thanked all members of the Brookdale Police Department for their commitment to excellence and to the safety of all who visit, study or work at Brookdale.
“We all take safety very seriously. It is our first and foremost priority,” said Curley, who serves as county liaison to Brookdale. “As a member of the Monmouth County Police Academy Board, I certainly salute you for your service. Thank you so much.”
Murphy and Curley also took time out to recognize Lt. Halpin, who served as the department’s accreditation manager throughout the process.
“Our patrol officers, our sergeants, lieutenant and captain deserve our recognition for this great achievement,” Murphy said. “I am pleased to acknowledge them for their incredible work over these past two-and-a-half years. Today Brookdale is joining 156 accredited law enforcement agencies in this state.
“This ensures that we will always have the highest standards and we will uphold them and implement them,” Murphy added. “I can’t tell you how honored I am to have a college police department that embraces the concept of excellence, just as we do in teaching and learning. They successfully proved that they meet all the requirements of the highest professional level for any New Jersey police department.”
The NJSACOP’s three-year accreditation was officially awarded to the department on March 10.
To learn more about the Brookdale Police Department, click here.