Manalapan Police Department to be Assessed for Accreditation

The Manalapan Police Department will be assessed by members of the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) on Saturday, Dec. 15. The team of assessors will examine the department's operations, polices and procedures, management and support services.

“Verification by the team that the Manalapan Police Department meets the Commission’s 'best practice' standards is part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Police Chief Christopher Marasala said.

Steve Mitchell, the Accreditation Program Manger for the Manalapan Police Department, said that the assessment team is made up of law enforcement practicioners from agencies that are out-of-state, but similar to the Manalapan department.

This year, the assessors will be:

• Chief Kenneth Findley, Deer Park Texas Police Department
• Major Carolyn Consoli of the University of Maryland, Department of Public Safety

“Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted continued accredited status”, Mitchell explained. 

Another aspect of the on-site assessment is a public information session. Agency employees and community members are invited to offer comments on the department at the information session, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. within the courtroom of the Manalapan Township Municipal Building.

Can't make it to the information session? Call the assessment team at 908-770-4270 on Monday, Dec. 17 between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon and tell them how you feel about the police department. Or, comments can be emailed to mrogers@manalapanpolice.org.

Comments made at the information session or over the phone are limited to ten minutes.

Written comments may be sent directly to:

Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA)
13575 Heathcote Boulevard Suite 320
Gainesville, Virginia 20155

In order to achieve accreditation status, the Manalapan Police Department must comply with 177 standards.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Chief Marsala said in a release.

The accreditation is for three years and each year the department must submit reports certifying that they continue to comply with the standards.