February 20, 2026 - Bridgewater Police Department Receives 4th Re-Accreditation

NEWS FROM THE NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

Immediate:

For additional information contact      John Mitzak, Chief of Police

                                                            Bridgewater Police Department         

                                                            100 Commons Way

                                                            Bridgewater, NJ 08807

                                                            This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BRIDGEWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES 4^th REACCREDITATION

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, by a unanimous vote granted the Bridgewater Police Department their official accreditation status. Executive Officers and staff from Law Enforcement agencies throughout the state attended the hearing.

 “This coveted 4^th reaccreditation status represents a significant benchmark accomplishment in the professional performance of any law enforcement agency.  It signifies a level of professional organization and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement that very few other police agencies have achieved.”   

 During these uniquely challenging times, and the threat to our health and safety, encouraging law enforcement agencies to follow standardized practices and policies is a potentially lifesaving, and cost-effective, investment of time and resources.

Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and service delivery. Government officials can be more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs. Officers in accredited agencies can take pride that they have been objectively recognized for their professionalism and adherence to the highest standards.

Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement. This prestigious accredited status demonstrates Chief John Mitzak’s firm commitment to state and national standards and the continued expectations for quality, professional, and ethical policing at the Bridgewater Police Department.

The Bridgewater Police Department is a highly professional and committed agency which exemplifies all the tenets of Law Enforcement Accreditation at the state and national level.

Therefore, The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Commission congratulates Chief John Mitzak, Accreditation Managers Lieutenant James Edwards & Ms. Cathy Hamilton, the members of the Bridgewater Police Department, the Mayor, the Council and those citizens they so proudly serve, for achieving their 4^th state reaccreditation, joining a very exclusive group of law enforcement agencies that have made this important commitment to excellence in policing. Congratulations!