WPT Police Assessment

To our Residents: As your elected representatives, we want to share the importance of assessing our police department.  In recent years, communities across the country, state and county have engaged in important conversations around public safety, trust, and accountability. Through this work, we've seen the value of reviewing and strengthening our local practices to ensure they meet the evolving needs and expectations of the community, and those professionals tasked to ensure our safety and security.  Assessments play a key role in identifying opportunities for enhanced training, improving officer retention, and reducing risk and liability. They also help ensure our police force remains current with changes in law. This is about being proactive, supporting the dedicated individuals who ensure our services reflect the values and standards we all share.

Facts to Date:

• West Pikeland Police Department is funded through 2025, the Police have not been defunded

• Township Solicitor has been tasked to create a referendum for Police/Taxation for the November 2025 ballot

References:

• Supervisor Carin Mifsud's Remarks explaining process (17 Mar)

• Jan ’25 PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Police Management Study:

- Policies updated (Ongoing)

-Training & HR Records (Completed)

-Equipment & technology refresh (Ongoing)

• PA Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA) Analysis Report- (Pending Receipt/May '25)

Going Forward:

Phase 1: Planning & Initial Assessment  

- DCED report - (Completed)

- PCPA evaluation and report – (Ongoing)

- Community engagement and input (Ongoing)

Phase 2: Evaluation & Deliberation

- Review of Assessment of PCPA study findings (Pending)

- Budget analysis and long-term financial forecasting (Pending)

- Development of options and associated cost (Pending)

Phase 3: Decision-Making Timeline

- Public hearings to present the proposed options (September 2025)

- Public referendum on November ballot or vote by the Board of Supervisors

Phase 4: Implementation & Monitoring

- Implementation of the Chosen Approach

- Establish a system for continuous evaluation to ensure effectiveness and compliance, including:

1. Regular performance reviews and community satisfaction surveys

2. Annual budget and resource allocation assessments

3. Periodic compliance audits aligned with the Second Class Township Code

(Act of May 1, 1933,P.L. 103, No. 69 Cl. 73 - "SECOND CLASS TOWNSHIP CODE, THE")

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

WPT Police Management Study.pdf

Download PDF • 1.61MB

Recently Updated Out-Brief FAQs .pdf

Download PDF • 165KB

Supervisor Carin Mifsud's Remarks - BoS (17 Mar 25).pdf

Download PDF • 89KB