Written by Jake Keiter and featured in our October 11th Print Edition!
Exploring Regionalization
In a recent public meeting held on September 28, the North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility of regionalizing their police force with North Cornwall Township. This informational meeting aimed to gauge public opinion on the matter, as regionalization would entail a year-long negotiation period and a subsequent public hearing before any decisions are made.
Presentation by Chief Tim Knight
The meeting featured a presentation by North Lebanon Police Chief Tim Knight, who detailed the results of a study initiated in April. Chief Knight outlined three potential plans, two involving 24 officers and one with 22 officers. Notably, one of the 24-officer plans would increase the township’s police budget by $62,000.
Addressing Understaffing and Safety Concerns
Chief Knight emphasized the ongoing challenge of understaffing within the department, prompting the township to partially fund cadets’ academy training. He explained that officers often find themselves working alone, posing safety risks to both officers and the community. The proposed 24-officer regionalization plan would alleviate this issue, ensuring at least three officers on duty simultaneously.
Strong Support from Officers
Notably, officers from both North Lebanon Police Department (NLPD) and North Cornwall Police Department (NCPD) expressed their support for the project. Officer Nicholas Gallese from NLPD highlighted instances where he was scheduled to work alone immediately after his training, causing delays in responding to calls.
Benefits of Regionalization
Chief Knight pointed out the compatibility between North Cornwall and North Lebanon, citing their similar size, population, and proximity. He also mentioned the benefits of regionalization, including increased access to grant funding and enhanced recruitment opportunities.
Concerns Raised
However, not everyone was fully convinced of the merits of regionalization. Board Chairman Ed Brensinger, who initially opposed the study request in April, raised concerns about the need for significant improvements to the NLPD building to accommodate more officers and the potential increase in response times due to officers traversing the city of Lebanon.
Public Engagement
The meeting, held at Union Canal Elementary School, saw relatively low attendance. Former township manager Cheri Grumbine called for another, more widely advertised meeting to inform the public further.
Next Steps
If regionalization moves forward, the next steps involve the townships forming a steering committee to negotiate the specifics of regionalization. All plans presented in the slideshow remain tentative and subject to change as the proposal is refined.
Challenges and Promises
The prospect of regionalizing police services with North Cornwall Township holds both promise and challenges for North Lebanon Township, with a complex path ahead before any final decisions are made.
