The Avalon Police Department ranks among the best of the best. Take it from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), which presented the department with its third three-year accreditation in August.

Not every department subjects itself to the voluntary accreditation process, which involves compliance with 110 standards involving policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. Assessors examined all aspects of the Avalon Police Department for two days in April, and invited input from employees and the public.
The accreditation results in insurance premium savings for the Borough as it reduces liability and provides a stronger defense against civil lawsuits. It also heightens accountability within the department and increases community advocacy.

Harry Delgado, the accreditation program manager for the NJSACOP, presented the department with a plaque certifying its latest accreditation at the August Borough Council meeting. He said 43 percent of the police departments in the state are accredited, and only 11 percent have been reaccredited for a second time. The Avalon Police Department achieved a compliance score of 100 percent, putting it in the top 1 percent of departments statewide that have been reaccredited a second time.

“This an outstanding achievement by the Avalon Police Department and represents that we have one of the finest, most well-trained departments in the state of New Jersey,” said Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Our community is very grateful for the professionalism of the Avalon Police Department and thankful for its third consecutive accreditation.”

Photo: From left, Chief Jeffrey Christopher, Harry Delgado and Sgt. Eric Heisman.