WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF THE BOROUGH OF OAKLYN!

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM CHIEF FERRARI

I am very pleased to be able to let the community know about an exciting event that is currently taking place within the police department.  We have embarked on a very large endeavor that will be mutually beneficial to the agency, elected officials, and all members of the community that we serve.  

When I became the Chief of Police in Oaklyn I started investigating ways that would make our agency one of the finest law enforcement agencies in our region.  I believed then, as I do now, that professional standards for law enforcement are the foundation for a law enforcement agency to operate under.  With this in mind, I have studied professional standards, both mandatory as well as optional for police departments.  It is truly amazing how the standards that are mandated by law are minimal in comparison to the standards that exist for a well managed law enforcement agency.  As I continued to educate myself on the standards and management of police agencies, I have was fortunate enough to be asked by two different county prosecutors to conduct full management studies of several police agencies.  These studies gave me more insight into how to make the Oaklyn Police a well run agency.  I then decided that it would not be enough for us to know we are achieving high professional standards, it is imperative for you to know.  To that end, we have entered into a national program known as “CALEA Recognition.”    

CALEA, is the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.  They are a professional organization that was formed in 1979 with one goal in mind, to establish standards for law enforcement agencies to strive to meet standards that far exceed the state minimum.  For example, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice has mandated that law enforcement agencies must comply with 20 mandatory standards.  To become recognized by CALEA an agency must meet and comply with 105 standards.  Although this is an extremely arduous   task, we have decided to enter into an agreement with CALEA and become a recognized agency.   In fact, currently, we are the only police department in Camden County who is taking on this task.  There are many reasons why we have decided to attempt to gain national recognition; however, I would outline some of the benefits for you.   

CALEA – Recognized agencies have an objective, outside stamp of approval that is earned through diligent internal, then external evaluation based on the best law enforcement standards.  Accreditation presents the framework for agencies to:                                                                                       

• REDUCE LIABILITY

• INITIATE A RESTRUCTURING

• EMBARK ON A PROGRAM OF SELF IMPROVEMENT

• OFFICIALLY VERIFY THEIR EXCELLENCE

• BE RANKED WITH THE BEST

 Additional goals of being CALEA Recognized are: 

• STRENGTHEN CRIME PREVENTION AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES

• FORMALIZE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES

• ESTABLISH FAIR AND NONDISCRIMINATORY PERSONNEL PRACTICES

• IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY

• SOLIDFY INTERAGENCY COOPERATION AND COORDINATION

• BOOST CITIZEN AND STAFF CONFIDENCE IN THE AGENCY

To become CALEA Recognized is solely a voluntary decision and there is no mandate to do it.  Due to the increased volume of work to gain certification, most agencies shy away from attempting to do it.  You should be proud as our citizens that we have chosen to do this.  With achieving CALEA Recognition everyone is a winner.  For citizens, law enforcement agencies, government leaders, CALEA Recognition provides reasons for confidence. 

Law enforcement executives know the people they serve want their enforcement to be effective.  At the same time, the public wants to be assured that policing actions are within the law.  In short, they want professional law enforcement. 

CALEA Recognized agencies demonstrate that they meet professionally-recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.  Additionally, Recognition assures that policies, procedures, training guide the performance of the agency.  

Recognition also helps Law Enforcement Executives establish the appropriate building blocks for the professional model of policing that fits the unique needs of particular agencies.   

Simultaneously, clear-cut, up to date policies and procedures determine the performance of the law enforcement personnel in Recognized agencies, a benefit to personnel and deterrent to liability litigation. 

CALEA Recognition is a sound investment for the agency and the community.  Public trust and support, internal and external accountability, efficiency and effective performance are just some of the dividends. 

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not extend thanks and gratitude to every member of the Oaklyn Police Department.  The only way we could achieve this is by their dedication and full cooperation.  It is an additional burden on them that no other officers around them have to take on.   They have accepted this challenge and are working hard to get the national recognition that they deserve.  We expect to be evaluated in December, hopefully with positive results.  I am told that most agencies do not pass on the first inspection; however, we plan on being one of the few that do.    If you have any questions about this program please feel free to contact me at any time.  I will provide you with additional information as we forge ahead.  

Thank you!