Central Pa. police department updates 'use of force' policy amid national debate msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
When: West Lampeter Township Supervisors meeting, May 10, in person.
What happened: Supervisors voted unanimously to allow the West Lampeter Township Police Department to pursue accreditation through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
Background: Accreditation is an intensive process that examines police practices and measures them against statewide standards. Chief Brian Wiczkowski said there are 139 standards, each of which requires two proofs of compliance. The process includes an initial assessment of the police building and a final assessment once standards are in place. The cost is $1,000 annually with charges starting the year following accreditation achievement.
Quotable: Wiczkowski said the process takes more than a year but that department personnel can handle the workload without diminishing street patrols. âItâs heavy work, but itâs good in the long run. ⦠From a professional standpoint, itâs the right thing to do.â
When: East Petersburg Borough Council meeting, May 4, in person.
What happened: Police Chief David Steffen told Borough Council that Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department was certified by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. That means the police department is required to meet about 139 standards that agencies strive to uphold; practices are assessed by the state annually to ensure policies are being followed. The department also revised its use-of-force protocols and is reviewing best practices in responding to calls with mental health issues.
Why itâs important: The measures are intended to hold the police department accountable to operate with integrity, honesty and compassion. Steffen said the public can be assured officers and staff seek âtransparency and professionalismâ in their work.
Police reform in Pa. could increase diversity, ban chokeholds, more
Posted May 03, 2021
State Rep. Patty Kim reads names of African-Americans killed by police during the Say Their Names vigil at Italian Lake, Harrisburg on September 26, 2020.
Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveVicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive
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Two state laws have been passed recently in response to calls for police reforms.
One measure requires police agencies to do thorough background checks of any new hires through a statewide database that holds information on disciplinary actions and separation records of all police officers in the state.
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