The Department of Police shall preserve the peace of the community and protect the life, property and personal liberty of persons within the Township.
[Added 12-18-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-11; amended 5-20-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05. Formerly 5-68A]
A. 
The Township Manager shall appoint a Chief of Police to manage and oversee the Department of Police, who shall be responsible to the Township Manager for the performance of the functions of the Department.
B. 
The Chief of Police position remains a sworn officer position and the Chief is a civil service employee within the meaning of Article VI, §§ 625 through 650, 53 P.S. §§ 55625 through 55650, with all protections thereunder.
C. 
All administrative and enforcement measures taken by the Township under color of authority of this chapter which relate to the hiring, dismissal, promotion or demotion of the Chief of Police shall be within the scope of 53 P.S. § 55632.
D. 
Qualifications. The minimum acceptable training and experience for the Chief of Police shall be as follows:
(1) 
A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science, criminology or a related field; or in lieu of such degree, a high school diploma supplemented by formal training in modern police administration, methods and practices at the F.B.I. National Academy, Quantico, Virginia, or an equivalent educational institution.
(2) 
Sworn law enforcement officer under Act 120 and certified by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education & Training Commission.
(3) 
Ten years of experience in modern police work in a supervisory capacity.
(4) 
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and methods.
(5) 
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices and procedures as applied to patrol, traffic control, criminal investigation, crime prevention and other police activities.
(6) 
Extensive knowledge of the types and uses of firearms, communications and automotive equipment used in modern police work.
(7) 
Extensive knowledge of the functions and jurisdictions of Federal, State and local police and criminal authorities.
(8) 
Extensive knowledge and experience in the organization and supervision of a Police Department performing varied and complex police operations, the ability to develop proper training and instructional procedures for employees and the ability to maintain a high level of discipline and morale among Police Department employees.
(9) 
Extensive knowledge, experience and “people skills” needed to establish and maintain an effective and harmonious working relationship with Township officials, subordinate police officers, State and Federal authorities, civic leaders and the general public.
(10) 
Extensive experience in expressing ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
E. 
Duties. The duties of the Chief of Police shall be as follows:
(1) 
Maintain an efficient operation of the Police Department through the control of activities and programs designed to prevent crime and protect lives and properties of the public through training, assignment, supervision and discipline of all Department members.
(2) 
Formulate policies, regulations and program priorities governing the activities of the Department.
(3) 
Conduct background investigations of persons for initial appointment to the police force and evaluate police personnel for advancement or promotion in accordance with standards and guidelines established from time to time in the Civil Service Rules and Regulations (Appendix II of this chapter).
(4) 
Formulate, review and establish work methods, procedures and conditions for the operation of the Police Department.
(5) 
Plan and supervise the enforcement of traffic safety regulations and programs of crime prevention and detection.
(6) 
Supervise the preparation of the annual budget of the Department and control the expenditure of budgeted funds.
(7) 
Oversee all phases of the promotion and advancement system within the Department of Police, in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission, to ensure the overall integrity of the police testing procedure.
(8) 
Establish and maintain police training programs, specific training assignments for subordinate officers and an effective program of police personnel evaluation.
(9) 
Cooperate with State and Federal law enforcement officers in the apprehension and detention of persons charged with crimes and with other agencies where the activities of the Police Department are involved.
(10) 
Provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of the police communication system, equipment and other property.
(11) 
Attend civic club meetings, churches, schools and other public gatherings to explain the activities and functions of the police and to establish and maintain good public relations.
(12) 
Attempt to obtain the benefits of all county, State and Federal grants designed to advance police activities in the Township.
(13) 
Perform such other duties as may be required by the Township Manager.
The duties of the Department of Police shall be to:
A. 
Prevent crimes against person and property.
B. 
Enforce those laws, ordinances and regulations which are within the jurisdiction of the police.
C. 
Detect, apprehend and prosecute criminals.
D. 
Return recovered property.
E. 
Prevent and control juvenile delinquency.
F. 
Maintain records and files of crimes and criminals and other related police matters.
G. 
Be responsible for operation of facilities for the safekeeping of prisoners.
H. 
Regulate vehicular and other traffic, prevent accidents and congestion.
I. 
Regulate noncriminal conduct to maintain order.
J. 
Provide training programs for all Township police.
K. 
Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of police radios and other Township radios and emergency communications systems as may be assigned to the Department by the Township Manager.
L. 
Maintain records and logs of radio and emergency communication systems as are required by law.
M. 
Provide general service, information, assistance and advice to the public within the scope of the function of the Department.
N. 
Organize and maintain such Township Crime Watch Programs as may be established from time to time.
O. 
Institute and administer the Youth Aid Panel Program.
P. 
Perform such other lawful duties as may be required by the Township Manager.