Morris County Prosecutor's Office Receives State Accreditation and National Recognition

Published on May 09, 2013

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces today that the Morris County Prosecutor's Office has been awarded the status of State Accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and National Recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Today Acting Prosecutor Knapp and members of his staff appeared before a hearing conducted by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (an arm of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police) in Princeton where the Office was awarded the status of being an Accredited Law Enforcement Agency. This achievement represents the completion of a two- year voluntary process of thorough office-wide business process evaluation and policy development, which culminated in an independent inspection conducted by an outside team of assessors from the accrediting body. That review resulted in the verification that the Office's business practices and policies were in accordance with State and National Standards.

Previously, on March 23, 2013, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office was notified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) that the office was awarded the status of National Recognition through their Recognition through Alliance Program.

The Accreditation Process is a valuable management model and blueprint for self-improvement which strengthens accountability within the office through a continuum of standards that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities. Participation in the program resulted in the improvement of overall office operations, policies, procedures, management and leadership. Furthermore, by voluntarily and transparently subjecting the Office's policies and business practices to independent inspection and verification, it has also served to increase our accountability and enhance our credibility with the public we serve.

The Status of State Accreditation and National Recognition signifies excellence in law enforcement policy and practices and is for a period of three (3) years.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.