Police chief outlines enforcement, festival coverage and policy updates; council discusses license‑plate readers

Police Chief David Pernice updated the Union City Borough Council on enforcement activity, staffing processes and technology options at the June 25 meeting.

Chief Pernice reviewed the May 2024 police report and told councilors he had checked with neighboring departments about fundraising at local golf scrambles, reporting Corry raised about $16,000 and Warren raised roughly $18,000–$20,000. He said Erie County Detectives will fund overtime and provide 2–3 officers to increase coverage for the French Creek Festival. Chief Pernice also said he is completing a Civil Service background check required for his department and expects it to be finished by July 5, 2024.

On policy, Chief Pernice said he has been updating the department’s Lexipol policies, removing policies that are not needed and awaiting solicitor review before finalizing changes.

During discussion of a proposed amendment to the parking ordinance for Municipal Lot #2, Chief Pernice described license‑plate‑reader (LPR) capabilities and their investigative utility, saying, “They can search plates on the system and assist in an investigation anywhere in the country.” Council asked Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips to review angled‑parking layouts for Lot #2 and deferred ordinance changes until additional review and solicitor input are available.

Why it matters: The police updates affect public‑safety coverage for a major community festival and the department’s policy and technology posture. Council’s decision to delay parking‑ordinance changes until staff and the solicitor review LPR implications preserves time to assess privacy, operational and layout impacts.

The meeting minutes record no public comment or formal disagreements on these items; councilors moved to proceed with review and solicitor consultation.