Middlesex County, NJ: Middlesex County is proud to announce that the Office of the County Sheriff has received its fourth reaccreditation award from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), a feat achieved by only less than 8% of New Jersey’s 550 law enforcement agencies. First accredited in 2013, this achievement underscores the ongoing dedication of the Sheriff's Office to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement. Sheriff Mildred S. Scott and Undersheriff David Irizarry accepted the award from Harry Delgado, who serves as the NJSACOP Accreditation Program Director on Tuesday, July 23. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is one of only 10 accredited Sheriff’s offices in the state.
The NJSACOP Accreditation Program consists of 112 rigorous professional standards, many with multiple objectives. To earn accreditation, agencies must demonstrate compliance with best practice standards across five critical areas: administration, personnel, operations, investigations, and arrestee and detainee functions. The accreditation process begins with an in-depth self-assessment, ensuring that agency policies and performance align with the latest law enforcement practices in New Jersey. Following this, NJSACOP assessors conduct comprehensive off- and on-site audits of agency operations to validate that performance is consistent with professional standards, including evidence vault, armory, department vehicles, holding cells, and all reports generated by the Sheriff’s Office.
“Middlesex County is immensely proud of our Sheriff’s Office for achieving this prestigious recognition once again. This reaccreditation is not just a badge of honor but a testament to the office's unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and transparency in serving our community,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Under the leadership of Sheriff Mildred S. Scott, our Sheriff’s Office continues to set a high standard for law enforcement, exemplifying competence, leadership, and an enduring commitment to public safety.”
“The value of standardized, accredited law enforcement practices cannot be overstated. These protocols are essential for safeguarding our community and ensuring that our resources are used efficiently,” said Deputy Director of the Board of County Commissioners Shanti Narra, chair of the County’s Public Safety and Health Committee. “Since 2013, the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office has maintained its accreditation with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, giving us continued confidence in their ability to meet the evolving needs of our residents.”
“Each day, our officers do the difficult work of policing — meeting challenges head-on and often serving as the first point of contact between the County and people who are in need of assistance,” said Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott. “Earning reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for a fourth time is a testament to, and reflection of, the high level of training our officers receive and the skill, compassion, and professionalism with which they conduct themselves on the job. I’m proud of our officers and the high standards we have set and continue to maintain as a County Sheriff’s Office.”
Across New Jersey's approximately 550 law enforcement agencies, the following accreditation statistics illustrate the significance of this achievement:
Accredited: 54%
Reaccredited: 32%
3rd reaccreditation: 19%
4th accreditation: 7.89%
5th accreditation: 3.6%, and
6th accreditation: 2%
For more information on Middlesex County’s ongoing initiatives and services, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov.
