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PERKASIE POLICE TODAY | |
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PERKASIE POLICE TODAY | |
The police department has changed over the years. The department currently has 13 sworn police officers and 2 civilian staff personnel. There are 15 staff members all together. There is 24-hour police protection in Perkasie. Neighboring police departments and the State Police located in Dublin can be called for assistance if necessary.
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There are 6 patrol cars; there are 4 marked and 2 unmarked cars. and a bike patrol. The 911 emergency system is used in Perkasie and the rest of Bucks County. Currently Perkasie does not have a canine unit. |  |
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Community programs sponsored by the Perkasie Police Department include the DARE Program in local schools, Explorers Program, and Townwatch Program. |  |
When asked if Perkasie has a SWAT team, Chief Dickinson indicated that Perkasie participates in a multi-jurisdiction emergency response team. Nine police department members participate, three of which are from Perkasie.
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The bike patrol was started in Perkasie in 1996. It's main purpose is to get closer to civilians in different places where cars can't travel. Mountain bikes are used by the police officers. |
We asked Chief Dickinson why a bike patrol is necessary in a small town like Perkasie. He told us that: "We have a town center area which has businesses and is more urban in design, a lot of people walk around, it makes observation easier and puts the officer in closer proximity to the citizens. They can view the business area easier. The other reason we have the bike patrol is because we have the bike path. We have three major parks and a bike path area. That involves a lot of our officers. There are certain areas that you can't get to with a police car. The bike patrol can cover larger areas of the park."
The Dare program is currently in place in all Pennridge Elementary and Middle schools. The Perkasie Police Department provides the DARE program to Patricia A. Guth Elementary School and other programs to South Middle School. The program teaches students how to make responsible and educated decisions about drugs & alcohol, avoiding conflict, and other challenges of young people in today's society.
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The Explorers Program is open to young men and women from the age of 14-20. The program's purpose is to teach people interested in pursuing a police career.
Some places the people will visit include: 1) Tour of a crime lab 2) Weapons shoot 3) Communications center |
Requirements: 1) Must be between 14-20 years of age. 2) Must not have a serious arrest record 3) Must pass an oral interview and a background investigation. 4) Must be in good physical condition. 5) Must maintain a "C" grade average or higher in school.(They do check report cards) 6) Must have parents permission to join. 7) Must pursue the explorer code. |
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In 1982 the Perkasie Borough Townwatch Program was started. A group of volunteers patrols the community and assists the police department by informing them of potential crimes in the community. This group of volunteers is unarmed and communicates using communications equipment. |
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