Ewing Township Police Department Earns Fourth Consecutive Accreditation from NJSACOP

The Ewing Township Police Department has been accredited for an unprecedented fourth time by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), placing the department among an elite 8 percent of agencies statewide to achieve this honor four times in a row.

NJSACOP is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the quality and performance of law enforcement in New Jersey. Its accreditation program is a voluntary process that holds police departments to a rigorous set of 412 specific standards, including areas such as policy development, operations, training, and officer safety. The program ensures that participating agencies meet or exceed best practices in policing, with a focus on accountability, professionalism and transparency.

According to Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S., NJSACOP Program Director, the Ewing Township Police Department’s ability to meet all 412 standards highlights the department’s commitment to high-quality policing. “This accreditation is an affirmation of excellence in policing,” Delgado said in his report to the town council on Tuesday, Sept. 24. He commended Ewing Township for its professionalism and strong leadership, even in the face of challenges like population growth and retail theft.

Ewing Township Police Chief Albert Rhodes expressed gratitude to Mayor Bert Steinmann, the township council, and his team, Accreditation Manager Captain Charles Morgan, Lieutenant Kenneth Vagnozzi, Sergeant Nicholas Muscente and Officers Alexandra McClister and Jon Bag for their support throughout the accreditation process. He credited the department’s success to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of all Ewing Township officers.

“Accreditation is essential in maintaining the public’s trust to demonstrate the Ewing Police Department operates under “best practices” in law enforcement standards,” Chief Rhodes said. “Meeting the NJSACOP Commission’s vigorous standards and achieving re-accreditation is a highly sought-after accomplishment. The men and women of the Ewing Police Department, as well as the community they serve, should be proud of their achievement. Only 8 percent of police departments in New Jersey have received re-accreditation four or more times, highlighting the professional organization the Ewing Police Department continues to be,” the Chief added.

Mayor Bert Steinmann also praised the department, saying, “Our police officers are the backbone of our community, and this fourth consecutive accreditation speaks volumes about their dedication to keeping Ewing safe. The professionalism and commitment of the Ewing Township Police Department make us proud, and I’m grateful for their continued service.”

Several council members praised the department for its continued excellence. Councilwoman Sarah Steward applauded the police for voluntarily opening themselves up to scrutiny by outside reviewers. Councilman David Schroth emphasized that this achievement was not a “one-off,” but a reflection of ongoing commitment and quality training. Councilwoman Jennifer Keyes-Maloney noted that the department consistently goes beyond minimum standards to embrace “best practices.” Council President Kevin Baxter highlighted that the accreditation validates the township’s investments in a force that respects and serves its residents, and Councilwoman Kathy Wollert appreciated the ability of the force to be nimble in the face of new and novel enforcement challenges, especially the changing rules surrounding recreational drug use.

Ewing Township’s fourth consecutive accreditation marks a continued commitment to policing excellence and further establishes the township as a leader in law enforcement standards in New Jersey.