Politics & Government
Upper Milford Rejects Idea of Regional Police Force
Supervisors are satisfied with state police coverage of township and want to avoid extra expense of a regional force.
The three members of the Upper Milford supervisors quickly decided during a special Monday morning meeting that the township is not interested in participating in a discussion about the feasibility of forming a regional police department.
Upper Milford received a letter on Sept. 9 from Macungie Borough Manager Chris Boehm, inviting the township to a meeting on Oct. 10 at Macungie Institute. Also included in the invitation were the following nearby communities: Emmaus, Lower Macungie, Upper Macungie, Alburtis and Lower Milford.
Currently, state police at Fogelsville cover Upper Milford. Supervisor Robert Sentner said he doesn’t see the point in participating in a regional department. “We have the best department we could ask for, state police,” Sentner said.
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“I don’t think we need one at this time, especially with the current economic situation,” Supervisor Daniel Mohr said. He also said, “I can’t even imagine” the tax increase that would be necessary for Upper Milford to join a regional department.
Supervisors Chairman Steven Ackerman said simply, “I agree.”
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The supervisors then directed Township Manager Dan DeLong to send a letter to Macungie, thanking the borough for the invitation but declining to participate.
This summer, the Macungie Council has discussed the possibility of forming a regional police force. Macungie Police Chief Ed Harry has said that he and his officers agree a consolidated force would be a good idea. Macungie Mayor Rick Hoffman also has said it would be worthy of pursuit.
The Lower Macungie Public Safety Committee also has discussed the possibility of the township’s participation in a regional force.