The following is Press Release from the desk of the Director of Police:
The Moorestown Township Police Department is fully accredited by the New Jersey State Chiefs Association. This highly sought certification is a tribute to the department's desire to maintain the highest standards in policing. Less than half of New Jersey's department attain this recognition. Our township believes properly trained officers are more effective officers, and each year they receive ongoing training from various providers. Our officers receive the mandated annual training prescribed by the State's Police Training Commission and Attorney General. This training outlines proper and legal actions in policing. Our officers receive more than the required state guidelines to better serve our community's specific needs.
The Department is aware of the NJ Comptrollers recent report concerning the curriculum at the Street Cop Conference in October 2021. Prior to issuance of this report, this company was a state approved provider of various training courses for many years for law enforcement as well as jurisdictions throughout the country. The information uncovered regarding the areas of training in conflict with New Jersey Standard Police Practices and Policies is certainly disturbing.
The two officers from our department that attended this conference have been briefed on the improper training provided by Street Cop per the Comptroller's report. The attendees from this department are exemplary in their work ethic and continue to interact with our community in a extremely professional manner. Each officer recognized the conflict in the presented lesson plans versus New Jersey policies. The total cost of attendance was $998.00.
Moorestown Township Police Department will discontinue attending any Street Cop programs and going forward will require that a curriculum be reviewed prior to any future approvals for advanced training seminars by private training companies.