MANCHESTER – It was noted during a recent Township Council meeting that the Police Department was nearing the completion of its re-accreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
Accreditation is a voluntary process when the department follows the best practices of police throughout the state. It’s a time-consuming and work-intensive application to ensure that all the policies and procedures are being followed.
A team of NJSACOP assessors came out to the Manchester Police headquarters to examine all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
Police Chief Antonio Ellis reported that “verification by the team that the Manchester Township 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.”
“Our agency first achieved accreditation in 2013 and has since taken tremendous pride in maintaining the distinction. The Manchester Police Accreditation team, led by Lt. David Fusaro, spent several months preparing for the re-accreditation process by meticulously curating a selection of documents and completing other tasks to establish that our agency is in compliance with the NJSACOP LEAP standards,” the chief added.
Chief Ellis explained that “Accreditation is an important achievement for the Manchester Police, as it means “greater accountability within the agency.” He noted accreditation results in 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.”
The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J Delgado, who explained “the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.”
After they complete their review of the agency, they report to the full Commission, which will then determine if the agency is to be granted accredited status according to Delgado.
Ellis commended Mayor Joseph Hankins for his “continued support and the members of the Township Council who enable the department to provide “exemplary service to our residents, which is reflected through our commitment to maintaining the prestigious distinction of accreditation through the NJSACOP.”
Water Meter Replacement
In other news, the township Department of Utilities will be performing a water meter replacement project in the Eastern Service Area. Those who receive notice should be advised it is from the township’s contractor and is authorized by the municipality.
Ordinances Under Review
Resident Frank Novick of Hangar Road questioned proposed ordinances #25-19 and #25-20 that concern land use development and amends the zoning map. Both ordinances were tabled until a July 14 council meeting. Council President Roxy Conniff explained that the township Planning Board needed to review those ordinances further.
Novick asked why those particular parcels were selected to which Township Business Administrator Carl Block responded, “the owner requested it. Only change is allowed use. PB-1 zone is multi-use. This is a use change, not a design request. That will go to the Planning Board.”
Every piece of land in town has certain uses that are allowed. If a property owner wants to use the property in a way that’s not allowed, they have to apply to the town to get it changed.
“On August 25, 2022, we fought this. Now you want a multi-use zone on a dead-end street?” Novick asked.
Block said, “I believe the developer is trying to obtain property on Route 571 for frontage. I will recommend getting a head start on this by requesting a buffer zone between residential homes.”
The resident said “we spoke to the developer, and he originally wanted houses there, but now he keeps changing plans.”
Next Year’s Big Celebration
Resident Joe Markowski of Eleanor Road noted that “a few meetings ago, someone (resident Rory Wells) spoke regarding the 250 Anniversary of the nation.” America’s 250th anniversary will be celebrated on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This milestone event will be a year-long celebration, starting in April 2025, with various events and initiatives planned across the nation.
Markowski asked, “Is someone working on it? I wanted to know what the township is doing?”
“Our community wanted to do something but was hoping to do something in conjunction with the town,” Markowski added.
Mayor Joseph Hankins said he spoke to the public works director, (Albert Yodakis) “and he is working on something.”
Block asked, “what is your group interested in doing?”
Markowski said, “We are not sure yet.”
Councilwoman Michele Zolezi made a recommendation. “Maybe the council president can put a committee together.”
