Hackensack Police to Perform Organizational Assessment with Federal Guidance

HACKENSACK, NJ – The Police Department is undergoing an organizational assessment which will shape the department's future, according to a city press release.

With the help of the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the city's police department is conducting a reform review to assess several key areas, including data-driven policing, employee wellness, training and professional development, community engagement and problem-solving strategies, internal and external communications, leadership and organizational structure, and accountability and oversight systems.

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The department has suffered through internal strife. Police Director Ray Guidetti reviewed the department , including the internal strife, in January.  He noted different factions of the department and how some of the members were involved in an overtime scheme. Police rank and file have fought back, noting the department has been decimated by community policing program cuts.

“I am excited by this important step that the police department took to enhance its capabilities while putting the community first,” said Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse. “I am thankful that the Department of Justice has selected Hackensack to conduct the organizational assessment, and I look forward to sharing the updates with our residents. We are dedicated to fostering a safe and secure community where all residents feel protected.”

Though the assessment is not required by law enforcement agencies, according to the press release, “the Hackensack Police Department is participating to show its commitment to the City of Hackensack by implementing reforms that will benefit both the department and the community.”

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