On October 7, 2024, the Upper Moreland Township Police Department welcomed two new members - Chief J. Scott Bendig and Officer Joseph Halbherr. 

Chief Scott Bendig joins UMPD after retiring from the Montgomery Township Police Department after over 35 years of service where he served the last twelve years as Chief of Police. Chief Bendig held many ranks within the Montgomery Township, including Corporal, Sergeant, and Deputy Chief. During his career, Chief Bendig served in multiple capacities as a police officer, including patrol officer, DARE instructor, canine handler/unit supervisor, field training officer/unit supervisor, and criminal investigator.  Prior to becoming a police officer, Chief Bendig earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University.  He went on to earn his Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from West Chester University. Chief Bendig is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and FBI National Academy, Session 216.

Officer Joseph Halbherr comes to UMPD after serving as a police officer since 2019 in the 18th District of Philadelphia. Prior to becoming a police officer, he worked at TSA at Philadelphia International Airport and completed an internship with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.  Officer Halbherr received his education from Cardinal Dougherty High School, where he played baseball and captained the soccer team, before furthering his academic and athletic career at Cabrini College.  Officer Halbherr studied criminology while excelling in soccer as team captain and also playing tennis.

Please join the officers of UMPD in welcoming our new members to the department and to the Upper Moreland community!