To Our Citizens and Business Owners:

As we were starting to ease back into our lives again with lesser restrictions from the pandemic, the death of George Floyd has pushed us further away from relief.  Upon seeing the video from Minneapolis, I began soul searching and a period of introspection.  Many of my colleagues immediately addressed this injustice and attempted to assure the public of their outrage.  As I try to formulate my response, most of the possible statements seem self-serving and contrived.  What I will assure you is that we have been striving to never let such a tragedy come to our township.  I have laid out what I think are the most important measures we have taken as a police department.

Municipal governments have limited resources and sometimes training is the first budget line to be eliminated or minimized.  Buckingham Township has committed resources to the police department for continued training.  Every year, Buckingham Officers are required to complete mandatory training which consists of legal updates and other relevant training for successful policing.  In Buckingham, Officers are also mandated to do an annual training that consists of constantly evolving aspects of policing.  This year, we trained all officers on de-escalation, hostage rescue, community engagement, and use of force. Our use of force training is incorporated into handcuffing, firearms, and all intermediate weapons.  Our policy is reinforced at roll call training daily, and specialized training throughout each year.

Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.  A Buckingham Police Officer must possess character that reflects our Mission Statement.  Our Mission was developed by our officers and reads: “We, the officers and staff of the Buckingham Township Police Department, commit to being responsive to our community’s needs and concerns.  We will treat all people as we would want our loved ones treated.  Our patrols and investigations will begin and end with the knowledge that we have done all we can do to make Buckingham Township safe for all”.  

Our selection and retention of quality men and women requires an exhausting background investigation.  Our Detectives examine the police applicant’s work history, education, financial history, and requires dozens of interviews of neighbors and acquaintances.  These investigations take months of diligent work in order to get the clearest picture of an applicant’s character.  These Officers are proud to wear the police uniform and of the many hurdles they successfully cleared to become a Buckingham Police Officer.

I am proud of the men and women who wear the Buckingham badge.  Our Officers get a steady stream of support from our residents and stakeholders.  They do not take it for granted.  (I have attached a letter that I just received today)  I hope that the negative stigma that our profession will have to endure over the death of Mr. Floyd is short lived.  Our Officers prove, on a daily basis, that they are worthy of your support.  I pray that we will always be able to choose the best and the brightest individuals for this calling.  Our talent pool that we chose Officers from should be vast.  My hope is that your support will continue to attract high character individuals to Buckingham.

Mike Gallagher, Chief of Police