From Our Police Department

Written by Eric S. Hermick, Chief of Police

Although our department was not awarded the grant for Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Cameras, the Township recognized the necessity for the equipment and approved a direct purchase of the equipment through Motorola. We hope that by the time this article is published the entire police department will be equipped with Body Worn Cameras per capita, which will be augmented by the installation of In-car cameras which will interface with the Body Worn Cameras.
In addition to the Body Worn Cameras and In-Car cameras, additional technology upgrades have been made during the first quarter of 2021. More Automated License Plate Reader and Overlook Cameras have been added to intersections within the Township. A new computer server was added to the police department to enhance functionality, efficiency, and electronic storage capabilities. Additional Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs have been added to the current police vehicle fleet.

To enhance our abilities to provide proactive and community-based policing, we have applied for a Copsplus Hiring Program Grant. This grant provides initial funding to hire additional career police officers to augment the current staffing. Anticipated outcomes of the CHP program awards include engagement in planned community partnerships, implementation of projects to analyze and assess problems, implementation of changes to personnel and agency management in support of community policing, and increased capacity of agency to engage in community policing activities. Having more personnel will allow more time to be dedicated
to community programs, crime prevention, proactive policing and investigations – ultimately making our community safer and more secure.

Summer travel brings an increase in traffic crashes so please use common sense to enhance your safety and the safety of others. In the interest of safety, our department continues to partner with PennDOT and other police agencies in educational and enforcement programs. We are currently active in the Buckle Up PA and the Traffic Injury Prevention Project to
ensure children arrive safely at their destinations. Police and safety partners conduct presentations, seatbelt, and car seat checks, and, if necessary, hand out citations to help reduce injuries and fatalities that occur when vehicle occupants are not properly restrained. We are cracking down on drivers who do not properly secure themselves and/or young riders in the vehicle to save lives.

As many know, the police department is very visible and active throughout the community. Our call volume has increased, and we strive each and every shift to patrol the community and be responsive to the needs of the community. Please know that we are using both marked and unmarked police units. Officers are active conducting daily security checks at our school campuses to enhance school security and deter violence. Officers are actively monitoring traffic and conducting traffic enforcement efforts in and around our problematic areas. We are putting forth a strong effort to stop dangerous drivers and remove impaired motorists from the roadways before a tragedy occurs. We are doing our part to educate motorists and take enforcement action when necessary to help reduce these crashes and injuries and/ or property damaged caused by aggressive drivers. Unfortunately, we have seen an uptick in drivers that are impaired and under the influence of illegal and/or prescription drugs. Approximately 50% of our DUI arrests occur due to the driver being impaired on drugs.

Please help keep us safe so we can continue to protect and serve you. If you come upon a police officer or any emergency responder on the side of the road, please remember to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle. Steer Clear or slow down for police, fire, tow trucks, PennDOT vehicles, waste or recyclable trucks, and other emergency personnel. Please
do your part to make sure these men and women are safe on the job and return home at the end of their shifts to enjoy the summer with their families.

We want to be certain that we are serving you in the best manner possible. As always, if you have any complaints, concerns, suggestions or comments – please share them with me. I can be reached at 724-843-8227 or email at ehermick@chippewa-twp.org

Stay safe and enjoy the summer.

STATS for January 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021 (Four Months)