Residents of Morris County will be able to comment as part of the assessment when the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police will examine the Morris County Prosecutor's Office for accreditation.

The NJSACOP will be arriving on Dec. 9 for an on-site assessment of all aspects of the office's policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi.

As part of the assessment, office employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments on Dec. 10, between 1 and 11 a.m, according to Bianchi. Residents can call 973-285-6272 to comment. Comments are limited to five minutes and must address the office's ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards, Bianchi said.

A copy of the standards is available at the Morris County Prosecutor's Office on the third floor of the Administration and Records Building on Court Street in Morristown. 

Residents can also offer written comments. Those choosing to do so should send correspondence to New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, NJ, 08053.

“I am extremely proud of the commitment of all members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office staff who have been working diligently towards this accreditation process which has been managed by Executive Captain Richard A. Rose," Bianchi said in a release. "This worthy project, which is not all that common amongst prosecutor’s offices in New Jersey, demonstrates this administration’s commitment to achieving excellence and further demonstrates our collective commitment to the 'best practices model' outlined in the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police model.

"The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office must comply with 112 standards in order to achieve accredited status. Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the office’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs. We welcome the opportunity for the practices of our office to be evaluated."

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the office must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.