For the first time in its history, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office is now a nationally accredited law enforcement agency.
Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis announced the groundbreaking achievement this week saying it reflects the office’s ongoing commitment to “excellence, transparency and community service.”
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) notified the Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 15 of the achievement and Undersheriff Odie Carr and Detective Kevin Coffey also traveled to Florida to accept the accreditation award on behalf of Sheriff Kostoplis. The certification remains in effect for the next four years.
To receive accreditation status, all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services were examined to determine if the agency complied with 181 best practices standards. The process began two years ago when the office received a Department of Justice grant that funded all expense related to the initiative.
“The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office has a long tradition of promoting public safety and service, but this accreditation represents an important milestone in our history,” said Sheriff Kostoplis. “For the first time, residents will know that the Sheriff’s Office has been reviewed from top to bottom and been found to meet the highest standard for service and professionalism.”
The Sheriff’s Office is currently staffed by 72 sworn law enforcement officers professionally trained and licensed by the State of New Jersey, along with 17 full- and part-time staff members who provide support services for the agency.
Last year, the office conducted 1,066 investigations, 299 traffic stops and completed 9,399 calls for service, while also attending close to 300 community events.
“From securing the Courthouse and County facilities to locating fugitives, installing car seats and supporting local police departments, the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office delivers a wide variety of services that are integral to keeping our residents safe and secure,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Public Safety. “The CALEA accreditation is a reflection of Sheriff Kostoplis’ leadership and the initiative shown by him and his command staff, along with the commitment, dedication and excellence exhibited by Sheriff’s officers and staff members every day. Our Board congratulates them on this achievement and thank them for the outstanding services they perform.”
“The Sheriff’s Office has proven to be a difference maker in protecting public safety and the agency continues to go above and beyond to deliver services that help keep residents safe as well as forge stronger ties between law enforcement and our communities,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo. “This accreditation is another example of the steps they’ve taken to ensure they continue to meet the high standards our residents have come to expect. We want to congratulate Sheriff Kostoplis, Undersheriff Odise Carr and all the officers and staff members of the department on this achievement.”
Sheriff Kostoplis said the accreditation was the culmination of months of review and updates to office policies and procedures to ensure they complied with CALEA’s high standards. He stressed that process would continue over the next four years.
“Accreditation is an achievement we are proud to obtain but the process of reviewing and improving our procedures and services never stops,” he said. “We remain committed to upholding the highest standards and best level of service for Burlington County every day.”