Submitted by Eric S. Hermick, Chief of Police
Chippewa Police officers continue to train so that we are more capable of providing greater service to you while enhancing safety and thoroughness. We strive to be the most Proactive, Progressive, and Professional policing agency possible. We love serving you and dedicate ourselves to protecting you.
School Bus Safety
School is back in session. Safety is paramount—please be cognizant of students and buses.
Within the first seven days of school, we already had five motorists illegally negate the school bus flashing lights and placed students in unnecessary danger. When you see a school bus, please take extra precautions. Slow down and do not pass a bus in either direction when the lights are flashing. Not only does this violation bring severe consequences financially, but more importantly, this can be life changing or ending for someone.
Police Trainings
This summer, members of the police department attended BELOW 100 training. This training is geared toward officer accountability and focus, to reduce line-of-duty deaths and serious injury to fewer than 100. Since the year 1943, there have more than 100 officers killed in the line-of-duty each year. This program is geared toward eliminating line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries through compelling common-sense training designed to focus on areas under an officers’ control.
Chippewa Officers also attended training for:
- Evidence Prioritization—how to recognize, document and collect various types of evidence and understand its value.
- Forensic Pathology—investigation of non-natural or suspicious deaths
- Major Crimes Case Studies—review and presentation of major crime cases
- Prosecution of Major Crimes
- Western Fusion Center—utilization of available resources and intelligence centers.
- Outdoor Crime Scene Reconstruction
- Open-Source Intelligence to enhance investigations using information that is publicly available. This information is collected, analyzed, and disseminated in a timely manner and addresses a specific intelligence requirement. Officers will obtain a greater understanding of how to access and utilize this information to assist with various types of investigations.
- Criminal Investigation Assessment—analyzing crime scenes and behavioral factors to develop suspects.
- Intoxilyzer 9000 Operator Training—certify additional officers to operate forensic breath instrument to collect breath evidence.
- State Inspection Training—certify officers in state inspection procedures, requirements, and enforcement.
Chippewa Police co-hosted an Incident Command/Active Threats training with the New Sewickley Township Police. This training was geared toward large scale crowd events, prevention of school violence, and response to active shooters. Resources from the FBI and Command Excellence were brought in to assist with presentations and practical exercises. The training was conducted in a school setting.
Additional School Resource Officer
Officer Christopher Arthur, who was hired in May 2023, successfully completed Act 67 School Resource training and is now a certified School Resource Officer (SRO) who will be utilized as needed as an additional officer to support the entire Blackhawk School District.
Country-Wide Impaired Driving Checkpoints
Chippewa Police officers are leaders in the field of removing impaired motorists from the roadways. The goal is to remove impaired drivers before they cause injury, death, or a tragedy. Chippewa officers participate in a county-wide highway safety task force and recently participated in three Impaired Driving Checkpoints. One was hosted by us, one was in New Sewickley Township, and the other in Hopewell Township. All three successfully removed multiple impaired drivers from the roadway without incident. The goal is to deter impaired driving and to remove those who do drive impaired. Impairment comes in the form of using drugs and/or alcohol. Impairment does not only come from alcohol, prescription drugs and/or illegal drugs can impair people. Please do not take chances, some things cannot be undone.
