Township Police Department Recognized As Among ‘Elite’ Departments

The township police department formally received its certificate of accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police at the Sept. 10 Township Council meeting.

The designation is awarded after a lengthy review of a department’s policies and procedures and interviews with community members.

Harry Delgado, the association’s accreditation manager, said that only about one-third of those departments eligible for accreditation actually are.

“It’s not because they’re not trying, it’s because it is a very rigorous program that in some instances takes up to two years to complete,” Delgado said.

“You are one of the best police departments in the state of New Jersey,” he said.

In a speech after the awarding of the certificate, Chief Lawrence Roberts thanked the department’s uniformed and civilian members, as well as the council, ofr their help in winning accreditation.

“It’s OK to be good, but you want to be elite,” he said. “At least today, every citizen knows that their police de[department is accredited. The citizens know they have the most professional police department.”

Council members also congratulated the department for the honor.

“Our chief really deserves a lot of personal credit for this,” Councilman Brian Regan said. “It was his ambition, his desire and his drive to do this.”

Councilwoman Kimberly Francois said the department has “achieved the highest level of excellence and have made us all very proud.”

“They continue to make Franklin the 5th best place to live,” she said. “They are truly Franklin’s finest.”

Councilman Philip Kramer said Roberts “loves his job and loves providing for the community.”

Seeking the accreditation “has been his baby,” Kramer said.

“The chief has really stepped up and reached out to the community,” said Councilman Rajiv Prasad.

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