OPERATIONAL SERVICES

Operational Services is one of two functional bureaus within the Department.  Operations is the largest and most visible bureau, in that it is home to the Patrol Unit.  It also contains the School Resource Officer, the Bike Unit and special event planning.

Patrol Unit

Being the most visible, the largest unit, and the heart and soul of the department, the Patrol Unit, is divided into 4 squads of officers, supervised by a Corporal.  Each squad rotates through two 12-hour shifts providing 24 hour/365 day a year coverage.

In 2005, the department changed from a solid white paint scheme on patrol vehicles to a more traditional black and white.  The idea was to create a highly visible and identifiable vehicle for the police officers.  All vehicles now have this paint scheme with a new lettering and reflective stripes.

All members of the Patrol Unit subscribe to the philosophy of Community Policing.  For many residents and visitors their first contact with an official from the Township is a police officer.  Therefore, each officer understands solving problems in the early stages can prevent more serious problems down the road

Bike Patrol Unit

In 1992, Lower Allen Township was the first agency in Cumberland County to initiate a Police Bike Unit.  The new unit was showcased during our National Night Out activities that year. The unit has expended to include officers and supervisors of the Patrol and Investigations Units.  The bikes are mainly used during special events, such as high school football games and graduations and large public events, such as National Night Out and events with large crowds.  However, officers are encouraged to use the bikes, when manpower allows, as part of their regular patrol duties.  The bikes have also been used to address specific crime problems such as vehicle entries or vandalism complaints in neighborhoods.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Beyond patrol, there are many functions that need to be performed in any police department.   Many of these functions, both behind-the-scenes and in more visible ways, are performed by the Bureau of Support Services.  Personnel from other functions are also sometimes shared to perform these functions. Some, but not all, of the duties of this bureau are described below:

Criminal Investigations

The Lower Allen Township Police Department maintains a Criminal Investigations office which is staffed by a Criminal Investigations Unit Supervisor and two-three detectives.  Typically, crimes involving more in-depth or time-consuming follow-up are handled by this office.   These officers also perform numerous other duties and assist patrol as needed.

Evidence and Crime Scene

Combining Criminal Investigators, the Support Services Commander, a civilian technician, and other properly trained members of the agency, the bureau provides crime scene processing and evidence preservation and storage services to the department.

Community Service Officers and Crossing Guards

Community Service Officers (CSOs) serve as eyes and ears for the police officers.  They also perform a variety of tasks that include traffic direction, parking enforcement, ordinance enforcement, assists to fire and EMS services, subpoena service, and anything else that may not require a sworn officer to address.

Crossing Guards are provided by the agency for those locations deemed necessary by the school district, based upon need.   The district shares the cost of this program.

Quartermaster

The quartermaster function is jointly performed by a CSO and the Bureau Commander of Support Services.  The function handles the acquisition, issuing, and maintenance (where applicable) of agency owned uniforms and equipment.  This includes managing vehicle maintenance and CSO Scheduling.

Accreditation

Lower Allen Township Police Department is accredited by two bodies.   CALEA, the Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation, is an international organization and requires compliance with over 400 standards.   PLEAC, the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the Commonwealth program and requires compliance with more than 130 standards.   Both programs require an assessment every three years.

POLICE RECORDS OFFICE

The Police Records Office handles a wide variety of tasks and services. Their functions include maintaining all case files and arrest records, handling daily paperwork, answering phone calls and assisting walk-in customers. They are here to assist the public with resolving issues or point them in the direction of someone who can help. They are also the point of contact to obtain Nobody's Cats TNR Vouchers and Humane Society Drop Off Vouchers. If you need to speak with a Police Officer during business hours, M-F 8:00am-4:00pm, you may come into the station or call Cumberland County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 717-238-9676. Also, please note that Citation payment is handled by District Court 09-1-01, located at 920 Linda Ln, Camp Hill, PA 17011, 717-737-3434.