In a milestone achievement for law enforcement excellence, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) has officially secured its fourth reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) — a distinction achieved by less than six percent of law enforcement agencies statewide. The honor was celebrated during a public meeting of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners in Morristown, where Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and his leadership team accepted the award surrounded by local officials, community leaders, and law enforcement partners.
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Setting the Standard for Professionalism and Public Safety
Harry Delgado, accreditation program director for NJSACOP, presented the certificate, recognizing MCPO’s unwavering commitment to training, policy development, records management, community outreach, and operational excellence. He noted that while 54 percent of agencies across New Jersey earn initial accreditation, only 12 percent achieve a second reaccreditation, and fewer than eight percent reach a third.
Now, with its fourth reaccreditation since first being accredited in 2013, the MCPO has joined the elite six percent of agencies to maintain these high standards for over a decade. This latest certification will remain in effect through June 2028.
The reaccreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment of 112 professional standards, covering everything from administrative structure to arrestee management. The review — completed in April — confirmed MCPO’s compliance across the board, reflecting the office’s consistent pursuit of best practices in law enforcement.
A Night of Recognition and Gratitude
Following the award presentation, Prosecutor Carroll commended the NJSACOP review team for their thoroughness and praised his own staff for their professionalism and dedication.
“I commend Director Delgado and his team for conducting such a comprehensive examination of our operations,” Carroll said. “This recognition is not just about meeting standards — it’s about exceeding them and continuously improving for the safety of our residents.”
The evening’s celebration extended beyond law enforcement achievements. Carroll also recognized Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation, for her tireless work raising awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
O’Donnell established the foundation after the devastating loss of her husband, Tim, and 5-year-old daughter, Bridget, who were killed in 2016 by an impaired driver on the New Jersey Turnpike. Since then, she has transformed personal tragedy into a statewide mission to save lives.
Fighting Impaired Driving in Morris County
The MCPO’s recognition of O’Donnell came in the context of a broader, urgent effort to combat impaired driving across Morris County.
This year alone, MCPO has addressed two significant cases — including a fatal April crash in Roxbury that resulted in a vehicular homicide charge and a DWI checkpoint in Florham Park held in memory of Tim and Bridget O’Donnell.
“We have worked hard with our municipal partners, county commissioners, and the public to confront these ongoing tragedies,” Carroll said. “When residents report dangerous driving, it truly makes a difference.”
The MCPO frequently coordinates DWI checkpoints and safety outreach campaigns in collaboration with municipal police departments, supported by funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
From 2023 to 2024, the office ran four checkpoints, interviewing over 1,100 drivers — resulting in six DWI arrests and 23 motor vehicle summonses. In 2025, three checkpoints have already been conducted, leading to two DWI arrests and 11 summonses from 657 driver interviews.
Community Partnership and Lasting Impact
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen praised the MCPO’s achievement, noting that the reaccreditation reaffirms the office’s role as a model for professionalism and public service in New Jersey.
The Catch You Later Foundation continues to play a vital role in these efforts, promoting the state’s #77 Aggressive Driving reporting program and offering scholarships in Bridget’s memory.
“The memory of Tim and Bridget continues to inspire action,” Carroll said. “We are proud to stand alongside those who speak out and work tirelessly to prevent impaired driving tragedies.”
A Sobering Reminder
According to New Jersey State Police, as of August 2025 there have been 315 fatal crashes statewide, claiming 335 lives. In Morris County alone, 14 fatal crashes have resulted in 17 deaths this year. From 2006 through 2023, the state recorded 10,356 fatal crashes — with 23 percent involving drivers under the influence of alcohol.
These statistics underline the importance of both law enforcement excellence and community-driven prevention efforts like those led by the Catch You Later Foundation.
Attendees at the event included members of the MCPO, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, and local mayors from Florham Park, Hanover Township, Morris Plains, and Morristown — all standing united in a shared mission to protect the community.
For more on law enforcement achievements and safety initiatives in the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey’s Law & Order coverage.
