Ocean County Prosecutor’s, Sheriff’s Squads Win State Accreditation

The death of one leader and departure of another pose no obstacle to members of the Ocean County Prosecutor's and Sheriff's Offices from gaining accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato and Acting Sheriff Bill Sommeling announced the achievement today. Since the start of the year, Coronato replaced former Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford and Sommeling stepped in after the death of Sheriff Bill Polhemus.

Accreditation is reached only after two years of multi-level reviews and grading. The ceremony took place at the NJSACOP Commissioners' meeting in Princeton Township.

"Members of my office worked tirelessly to win accreditation," said Coronato in a release. "This significant achievement brings elite status within law enforcement.  Accreditation means that we are recognized for using the best practices in modern policing and that we serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies."

Staffers are judged on policies, procedures, files and facilities through on-site inspections. Accredited agencies are required to regularly prove compliance with standards. Accreditation is valid for three years. It belongs, says the NJSACOP, to less than 20 percent of the state's law enforcement agencies. Ocean is New Jersey's fifth county in which the Prosecutor's and Sheriff's offices hold joint status.

"The process is long and tedious, but the effort is well worth it," said Sommeling."This accreditation gives professional standing that very few achieve."

Officials say the program engenders trust with constituents, ensures application of best procedures and provides valuable information for improvement.

Find out more about it at The death of one leader and departure of another pose no obstacle to members of the Ocean County Prosecutor's and Sheriff's Offices from gaining accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato and Acting Sheriff Bill Sommeling announced the achievement today. Since the start of the year, Coronato replaced former Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford and Sommeling stepped in after the death of Sheriff Bill Polhemus.

Accreditation is reached only after two years of multi-level reviews and grading. The ceremony took place at the NJSACP Commissioners' meeting in Princeton Township.

"Members of my office worked tirelessly to win accreditation," said Coronato in a release. "This significant achievement brings elite status within law enforcement.  Accreditation means that we are recognized for using the best practices in modern policing and that we serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies."

Staffers are judged on policies, procedures, files and facilities through on-site inspections. Accredited agencies are required to regularly prove compliance with standards. Accreditation is valid for three years. It belongs, says the NJSACP, to less than 20 percent of the state's law enforcement agencies. Ocean is New Jersey's fifth county in which the Prosecutor's and Sheriff's offices hold joint status.

"The process is long and tedious, but the effort is well worth it," said Sommeling."This accreditation gives professional standing that very few achieve."

Officials say the program engenders trust with constituents, ensures application of best procedures and provides valuable information for improvement.

For more information about Accreditation, go to www.NJSACOP.org.