Pennridge commission approves enrollment in Pennsylvania law-enforcement accreditation program

The Pennridge Regional Police Commission voted unanimously Dec. 19 to enroll the Pennridge Regional Police Department in the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (PLEAC) and approved a consent agenda that included payment of $94,314.14 in bills.

Chief Paul T. Dickinson Jr. presented a letter of intent to enroll the department in PLEAC, saying the enrollment had been budgeted. On a motion by Commissioner Hal Schirmer, seconded by Commissioner Gary Volovnik, the commission authorized the chair and the chief to endorse and enroll the department in the program; all nine members present voted in favor.

The commission also approved a consent agenda — moved by Jay Keyser and seconded by Gary Volovnik — that included the Nov. 21, 2024 meeting minutes, the Dec. 19, 2024 financial report, payment of bills totaling $94,314.14 and the November 2024 department activity report. The motion passed unanimously.

Chief Dickinson told commissioners the department's 2023 audit, performed by Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC, had been completed with no issues identified.

During a follow-up exchange, Commissioners Jim Nietupski and Gary Volovnik asked about the accreditation process and its benefits. Chief Dickinson said the department will hire a consultant to outline milestones and manage the process, which he estimated would take about one year to one and a half years. He described the benefit of accreditation as aligning the department with best practices for police tactics and policies.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (minutes, financial report, payment of bills $94,314.14, activity report): mover Jay Keyser; second Gary Volovnik; outcome: approved unanimously (9-0).

- Authorization to enroll in Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (PLEAC): mover Hal Schirmer; second Gary Volovnik; outcome: approved unanimously (9-0).

The commission heard no public comments at the meeting and adjourned at 5:18 p.m.