History
Manheim was laid out by Henry William Stiegel in 1762 on a land tract in Rapho Township, Pennsylvania, though it wasn’t incorporated until 1838.
The first railroad train came into Manheim on January 1, 1862, with the completion of the first division of the Columbia and Reading Railroad. In 1884, another forward step was the laying of water pipes and the beginning of service by the Manheim Electric Company, which set up a plant in Bomberger’s Mill at the end of Mill Street.
Since it’s inception, MBPD began as a small watchman police department of a few officers continuing into the 1970’s and 1980’s with 4 or 5 Officers, and into the 1990’s with 6, then 7 full time officers. The Manheim Borough Police Department is now comprised of 17 highly specialized, trained full time police officers, two administrative assistants and 6 crossing guards.
In 2012, the Manheim Borough Police Department began contracting services to Rapho Township. Rapho Township previously relied on the Pennsylvania State Police for protection and law enforcement. This contractual agreement with Rapho Township doubled the size of the Department from a manpower perspective and enhanced the enforcement model over a greater geographical area. The agreement also enhanced the capabilities of the police department in multiple capacities including proactive enforcement of vehicle code violations and criminal law investigations.
Responsibilites
The Manheim Borough Police Department serves the communities of Manheim Borough and Rapho Township by protecting citizens and property, preventing crime, enforcing laws, and maintaining order. All Officers of the department are included in the rotation to patrol Manheim Borough and Rapho Township so they gain expertise in both communities. Manheim Borough Police Department patrols the 47 square miles of Rapho and 1.5 square miles of Manheim Borough.
Manheim Borough Police Remembers...
On November 9th, 1984 the Manheim Borough Police Department tragically lost Sergeant Delbert R. Flowers, Jr. in line of duty automobile accident. Sergeant Flowers was a dedicated Police Officer that served the Manheim community with compassion, integrity and honor.
“When a police officer is killed, it’s not an agency that loses and officer, it’s an entire nation.” Chris Cosgriff, ODMP Founder
Visit the Officer Down Memorial Page [Click Here] to share a reflection on Sergeant Flowers memorial page.
