CAPE MAY — The Cape May City Council meeting Aug. 18 featured a proud moment for the Cape May Police Department as Chief Dekon Fashaw accepted a Certificate of Accreditation plaque.
The recognition was presented by Harry J. Delgado, Accreditation Program director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
“In the case of the Cape May Police Department, they had a remarkable final assessment,” Delgado told Mayor Zack Mullock, City Council and residents in attendance.
The CMPD’s accreditation team, led by Lt. Scott Krissinger, has worked diligently to ensure the Department’s compliance with established best-practice standards across five key areas: administration, personnel, operations, investigations, and the arrestee/detainee function, according to a news release from the city.
Accreditation promotes greater accountability, reduces risk and liability exposure, strengthens an agency’s defense against civil litigation, increases community confidence and reinforces the department’s ability to operate efficiently while responding effectively to the needs of the community, the release stated.
“This accreditation process was no easy task,” Fashaw said. “Assessments occur every three years, and Lt. Krissinger, CMPD command staff along with our officers, consistently maintains the required accreditation materials and standards. Their dedication ensures that we continue to meet the highest standards and remain well prepared for the next reaccreditation cycle.”
Accreditation is valid for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports demonstrating continued compliance with the established standards. In April, assessors visited to review written materials, interview agency members and inspect areas where compliance with the standards could be observed.
Following the assessment, the commission determined that the Cape May Police Department had successfully met the requirements for accredited status.
Fashaw also expressed his appreciation for the continued support of city leadership.
“I’d like to thank Manager Paul Dietrich, Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs, Mayor Mullock and the members of Cape May City Council for their continued support of our department. Their support enables us to participate in the NJSACOP Accreditation Program and serve our residents to the highest possible standards.”
