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The Perkasie Police Department has changed a lot over the years. Many more positions have been added to the force over the years which has corresponded to the increase in population of the Borough of Perkasie. The force began with one policeman in 1924 and today includes 15 personnel. Changes have included more vehicles, a bike patrol, and the use of high tech equipment.
1924: Perkasie Borough Council passes Ordinance #117 creating the position of a Borough Policeman at a salary of $15.00 a week.
1932: Borough council appointed a committee to look into the matter of employing a night policeman.
1940: A police office was established in the firehouse on Seventh Street.
1946: Council appointed a committee to study the feasibility of providing a full time police service in the borough.
1947 Council appointed Harvey Wambold as a full-time police officer, creating two full-time officers.
1948: The borough purchased the first police car - a 1948 Chevrolet Town Sedan for $1446.95. During this year there were three full-time police officers.
1950: The police office moved to the second floor office in the electric building.
1952: Council authorized the purchase of a two way radio for the police car. Dispatching was be provided by Montgomery County Police Radio in Norristown.
1953: Police Chief Harvey Wambold resigned. James Schatz was appointed as Chief of Police.
1954: Council appointed a Civil Service Commission. Council approved crossing guards for the intersections of Fifth & Arch, Sixth & Arch, and Fifth & Market.
1955: Borough office and police headquarters were established at 607 W. Chestnut St.
1959: Claude E. Nase entered Philadelphia Police Academy; he was the first Perkasie officer to be formerly trained.
1960: The position of Police Sergeant was created.
1963: New radio was ordered for the police vehicle in order to communicate with the newly formed Bucks County Police Radio Network.
1965: Chief James Schatz retired after 40 years of service. Claude E. Nase was appointed Chief of Police.
1969: A police secretary position was created which was then filled by Patia Schaeffer. At that time there was a chief , sergeant, and three full time officers.
1975: The police department was comprised of of 8 sworn officers. There was a chief, sergeant, and six full-time officers.
1979: The borough office and police headquarters were moved to a new building at 311 S. Ninth Street.
1982: The Perkasie Borough Townwatch Program was started.
1985: The police department size was increased to nine sworn officers.
1989: Chief Claude Nase retired. David A. King was appointed as Chief of Police.
1990: The police department increased to 11 sworn officers. Perkasie Borough Youth Aid Panel and DARE programs were started.
1992: Chief David A. King resigned. Paul T. Dickinson was appointed as Chief of Police.
1993: A second sergeant position was approved.
1995: A computerized records managements system was implemented.
1996: A bicycle patrol unit was formed.
1997: The police department increased to 12 sworn officers. A detective position was implemented as a full-time assignment.
1998: The police department increased to 13 sworn officers.
1999: A Police Records Administrative Assistant position was approved. This increasing the department to 15 personnel (13 sworn & civilian). The Perkasie police website http://www.perkasiepd.org/ also started on line.
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The above time line research was completed by Chief Paul T. Dickinson with the help of the Perkasie Historical Society. |
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