MARGATE CITY, N.J. — The Margate City Police Department has proudly earned its third consecutive accreditation renewal from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), solidifying nearly a decade of adherence to the highest professional law enforcement standards. The accreditation renewal was formally awarded on August 7, 2025, during a Margate City Commission meeting by Harry J. Delgado, the Accreditation Program Director of NJSACOP. This distinguished recognition highlights the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence, having first achieved accreditation in 2016. The Margate City Police Department has since maintained compliance through a rigorous multi-year review process involving key areas such as administration, personnel, daily operations, criminal investigations, as well as procedures related to arrestees and detainees. The renewal process culminated with a thorough on-site inspection by independent law enforcement assessors earlier this year, who verified that the department meets or exceeds all program standards. Their findings were unanimously approved by the state accreditation board on June 12, 2025. This long-standing accredited status places Margate City among the select few New Jersey police agencies that have consistently demonstrated professional excellence over an extended period. Chief Matthew Hankinson credited the city’s Board of Commissioners for their strong support in enabling the department to fulfill the stringent accreditation requirements. He emphasized that the continued recognition is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of Margate’s officers and staff in serving the community with integrity and accountability. The NJSACOP accreditation is a voluntary, progressive, and comprehensive program designed to improve law enforcement agency performance across New Jersey. Agencies participating in the program conduct in-depth self-assessments and are evaluated by expert assessors to ensure adherence to best practices and policies that enhance transparency, efficiency, and public trust. As Margate City Police Department looks forward to maintaining its accredited status throughout the upcoming three-year term, the department remains focused on upholding the highest standards in law enforcement and community service. This third renewal underscores Margate City Police Department’s steadfast dedication to professional excellence and its ongoing effort to provide superior policing services to the residents and visitors of Margate.