Hempfield to study police possibilities

The committee will consist of approximately 10 people, said Kim Ward, supervisor chairwoman. It will look at the township's crime statistics and review various policing scenarios.

Ward said the panel's task will be to determine whether any changes are needed to meet the community's policing needs. She wants any recommendations to be made before the state Legislature devises its own rules for townships that currently rely on state police.

"We need to be prepared for what the state might do," Ward said. "We need any decision that comes out of this to come from the local level, not Harrisburg."

Hempfield has approximately 41,000 residents, according to the 2000 census, but it does not have its own police force. State police, who maintain a barracks in the township, provide police services.

Ward said scenarios the committee will be asked to look at include having the township establish its own force or join with nearby communities for a regional force. Committee members could also recommend that the township lobby legislators to pass legislation allowing the township to pay for additional state troopers who would be assigned only to the township.

"Establishing our own force is my least favorite option," Ward said. "But we need a baseline of where we're going, and we need to be prepared for what the state might do."

Some appointments to the committee could be made as early as 7 p.m. Monday, when supervisors meet during their regular monthly session. Ward said she would like to see diversity on the panel, including members of law enforcement and senior citizens. There is a need, she said, for someone who can analyze and make sense of statistical data.

Ward also said she wants residents who will examine the issue objectively.

"We need to fill it with people who can look at it with an open mind," she said.

Ward said anyone who has an interest in the committee should contact her at the township at 724-834-7232, ext. 117.

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