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Harris Township police preview 2025: staffing gaps, new grants and growing social-worker caseload
Summary
Chief John Gardner told the board the department is authorized for 60 sworn officers with three current vacancies, highlighted extensive training and certifications, and said a PCCD grant will help pay for a new records-management system and downtown surveillance cameras; he also cited the social-worker program's 360 referrals in 2024.
Chief John Gardner presented the Harris Township Police Department's 2025 overview to supervisors on Oct. 14, outlining staffing, training and grant-funded technology upgrades while urging continued community support as contract talks with the union proceed.
Gardner said the department is authorized for 60 sworn officers and currently has three vacancies. "We currently have 3 vacancies in the police department," he said, and added that testing and recruitment will begin in early November with an anticipated academy graduation in late November for a recruit already enrolled.
The chief walked supervisors through the department's organizational structure and training programs, noting specialized certifications across traffic, detective, domestic-violence and tactical teams. He said 84% of officers hold college degrees, about 28% are military veterans, and the department has made recent promotions to sergeant after…
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