New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of PoliceTranslation site

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) is a professional nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(4) civic league and social welfare entity, headquartered at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, New Jersey 08053.

It was originally founded in 1912 with 19 charter members, and was formally incorporated in May 1989. As of 2023, the association employs 29 staff members, and has grown to represent more than 1,000 members across local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Mission & Core Positioning

NJSACOP’s mission is to promote and enhance the highest ethical and professional standards in law enforcement at all levels throughout New Jersey, and to secure unity of action in police professional standards.

It operates as an independent organization not affiliated with larger national groups, focusing on serving New Jersey’s law enforcement and private security executives to help members and their personnel achieve their full potential both as professionals and individuals.

Key Programs & Services

NJSACOP provides a wide range of pragmatic, cutting-edge programs and services designed to improve organizational and individual performance of law enforcement agencies:

1. Leadership Training: It offers a full catalog of leadership development programs, including the Command and Leadership Academy (launched in 1992, modeled after the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with sessions held not only in New Jersey but also in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Hungary and Botswana), New Jersey Police Executive Institute, Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Seminar, and Police Chiefs In-Service Training Seminar.
2. Voluntary Accreditation Program: The association runs a law enforcement accreditation program that sets 105 professional standards for police departments. Accredited agencies need to undergo reassessment every three years by teams of retired police chiefs, and the process helps departments standardize operations, update outdated policies, enhance accountability, and even qualify for benefits such as lower professional insurance premiums and reduced legal litigation costs.
3. Police Examination Services: Since 1945, NJSACOP has administered police examinations for New Jersey municipalities, with questions tailored to test candidates’ knowledge of law enforcement, criminal justice and administrative issues, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of individual agencies.
4. Traffic Safety & Advocacy: It works with the New Jersey Office of Highway Traffic Safety as a law enforcement liaison, and engages in legislative advocacy to shape law enforcement policies across the state. It also hosts an Annual Training Conference and Police/Security Expo each year, which includes advanced training sessions and the Valor Awards ceremony to recognize outstanding acts of bravery by officers and civilians.

Donations to NJSACOP are tax-deductible, and the organization submits Form 990 annually to maintain operational transparency and regulatory compliance.

For more detailed information, you can visit its official website at www.njsacop.org.