JENKINTOWN, PA (KYW Newsradio) — The future of Jenkintown’s Police Department is at the center of an ongoing conversation between taxpayers and officials. The borough says the rising costs of running it are outpacing population growth.
“I want you all to show me by hands how many of you know our police officers? All 10? How about five police officers?” said Jenkintown Police Chief Thomas Scott.
Jenkintown Police Department is under the borough's general fund, currently taking up about 51% of the budget, according to officials.
During a presentation at a community meeting inside a crowded Jenkintown High School auditorium Monday, town leaders mentioned the financial strains of running the borough, noting several instances of mismanagement with a previous administration and the stress of catching up on tax revenue from the impact of the pandemic.
“How are we going to provide the best service while also being financially responsible?” Scott asked.
He says no decision has been made, but they are exploring other options, like contracting with officers from other towns.
“Our goal is to provide the best public safety to our citizens. If it’s sustaining the police department the way it is, then we’ll work through that. If it’s looking at other options, we’ll look at that.”
Community members expressed their fears of losing officers they are familiar with if a contractor does take over. They say they want the police department to remain independent
“They are here, they are constantly patrolling,” a community member said. “That would not happen with Abington. I’m not discouraging Abington or Cheltenham, but we should not lose such a valuable asset.”