Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors reject rumor; police chief and supervisors defend local force amid staffing and budget concerns
Summary
At the May 13 Lehigh Township Board meeting supervisors and Police Chief Scott Fogel pushed back on rumors the township would replace its police with state police, arguing local officers provide faster response, community policing, and lifesaving interventions despite budget pressures.
At the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting on May 13, Supervisor Janet Sheats forcefully disputed circulating claims that the township planned to replace its municipal police force with state police coverage, saying she “will never be for” giving up local officers and pledging continued support for the department.
The discussion followed a police report from Chief Scott Fogel, who noted safety concerns for pedestrians and bus stops and warned that while contracting with state police might reduce expenses on paper, it would “come at what expense,” including slower response times, less traffic enforcement and reduced community policing. He outlined staffing strains: some night shifts leave one or two patrol cars covering a large area.
Why it matters: Residents, candidates and some board members raised the possibility of cost savings, with one rumor framed as a $2 million saving if the township switched to state coverage. Supervisors and the chief said such figures understate the loss of local services — officers administer CPR and Narcan, respond to non‑injury and community calls, and sustain relationships that can reduce escalation.
Board context and responses: Supervisor Janet Sheats, who noted she has been asked about the proposal during campaigning, said the board has not voted to pursue state police coverage and emphasized medical and mental‑health response roles local officers perform. Chief Fogel reiterated that state police typically prioritize severe incidents and cover broad territories, and he said the township’s current force, while stretched, provides faster and broader services than state coverage typically would.
Budget and next steps: Several supervisors and residents said municipal budgets across the region face similar pressures and that modest tax adjustments or other revenue strategies may be necessary to maintain services. The board did not take formal action on policing arrangements at the meeting; the issue remains a topic of public discussion.
Representative quotes: “I will never be for state police,” Supervisor Janet Sheats said, urging residents to consider response time and community policing. Chief Fogel warned that while a move could save money on paper, it would reduce local responsiveness and enforcement.
What’s next: No vote or formal study directive was recorded at the meeting; residents and board members signaled ongoing debate over balancing service levels and budget constraints.
