The September 22, 2025, Township Council meeting featured a proud moment for our department, as Chief Antonio Ellis accepted a Certificate of Re-Accreditation presented by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
“In the case of the Manchester Township Police Department, they had a remarkable final assessment,” said Harry J. Delgado, accreditation program manager for the NJSACOP, before Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of Council, and residents in attendance.
The Manchester Police Accreditation team, led by Lt. David Fusaro, is dedicated to ensuring our department’s compliance with best practice standards in five basic areas: administrative, personnel, operations, investigative, and the arrestee/detainee function. Accreditation results in greater accountability, 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.
“This re-accreditation process was no small feat,” said Chief Ellis. “While the full re-assessment occurs every three years, Lt. Fusaro and our team consistently maintain accreditation materials, ensuring that the highest standards are met, and that we’ll be well prepared for the next re-accreditation cycle.”
This is the fourth time our department has achieved this important designation, an accomplishment realized by only six percent of eligible law enforcement agencies in New Jersey. Accreditation is valid for three-years during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with those standards.
Assessors visited our department in March to review written materials, interview agency members, and visit areas where compliance with the standards can be observed. The full Commission then decided that the Manchester Police Department earned accredited status.
“I’d like to thank Mayor Hankins and the Township Council for their continued support of our department, which enables us to participate in NJSACOP Accreditation and serve our residents to the highest possible standards,” said Chief Ellis.