As part of the South Orange Police Department’s goal of becoming accredited by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), a team of assessors from the organization will examine all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services on Monday, September 21.
“Verification by the team that the South Orange Police Department meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” South Orange Police Chief Stephen Dolinac said in a press release inviting public participation.
As part of the Department’s final on-site assessment, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team, either by telephone or email. The public may call 973 763-3000 ext. 7826 on Monday, September 21, 2026 between 10 and 11 a.m. or email comments to Lt. Thomas Horton, [email protected].
Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP Law Enforcement Accreditation (LEAP) standards, which cover every aspect of policing and comply with best practices in policing. Contact Lt. Thomas Horton at 973 -763-3000 ext. 7826 for additional information about specific standards.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the South Orange Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may email Harry J. Delgado, the Accreditation Program director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, at [email protected] or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.
The South Orange Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status.
“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 Dolinac said.
According to Delgado, the assessment team is “composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to its continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited, according to the release.
