GENERAL INFORMATION

Officials from Annville Township and Palmyra Borough began discussion regarding forming a regional police department to serve both municipalities.  In August 2022 the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, presented a Regional Police Study to elected and municipal officials.  After reviewing he study, Annville Township and Palmyra Borough agreed to continue the task of creating a Regional Police Department.

Similar community needs and issues, growing cultural diversity, local and county-wide drug enforcement issues, regional traffic problems, fiscal constraints, part-time and full-time police officer shortages, procurement of specialized equipment, and other current important issues have raised many new challenges for municipalities and their police departments.

It is often difficult for small agencies with limited resources to positively address the problems faced in their communities. It has become necessary in many locations to consider ways to improve police services while stabilizing future costs. Consolidation of Police Service will improve the uniformity and consistency of enforcement and coordination of law enforcement services and aid in the recruitment, distribution and deployment of police personnel.

The Annville Township Board of Commissioners and the Palmyra Borough Council have approved the Charter Agreement that will create a Police Commission and create guidelines to establish the Regional Police Department.  We anticipate final approvals and the formation of the Commission in the coming months.

Annville Township and Palmyra Borough have selected representatives to serve on the Police Commission. The first meeting is 5/10/2023, 5:30 PM at 325 South Railroad Street, Palmyra.