Swarthmore’s borough council voted to reopen borough hall and the Central Park amphitheater, and approved a three-year lease-purchase of a 2021 hybrid Ford Explorer for the police department.
All tagged Swarthmore Police Department
New Town Center Coordinator and Gun Safety at Council
Swarthmore Town Center announced that Sarah Matthews is the nonprofit’s new coordinator. One of Matthews’ first tasks will be creating guidelines for the parklets, which are currently authorized to run through March 31. Also, many local police departments store firearms for people concerned that they are a danger to themselves. Swarthmore also provides this service.
Swarthmore, the Police, and the Pursuit of Perfection
A few weeks ago, I went to a meeting where the borough council’s Public Safety Committee discussed police-community relations. Chief Stufflet, Mayor Marty Spiegel, and Swarthmore resident and sociologist Virginia Adams O’Connell came to the meeting to report on conversations they’ve been having about Swarthmore police policies, training, and attitudes. I like to think that Swarthmore is small enough and has enough resources and good will that it comes as close as any town could to being perfectible. Doubtless that’s a romantic notion. But I’m guessing I’m not the only one who feels this way.
Council Looks to Study Attitudes on Swarthmore Police
What are the Swarthmore Police Department’s policies and procedures? When are officers permitted to use force? If they do, how do they report it, and to whom? Are officers trained in de-escalation? Swarthmore resident Virginia Adams O’Connell attended borough council’s Public Safety Committee meeting last week to talk about ways to answer these and similar questions for the Swarthmore community.
New Officer, Free Parking, Trash and Recycling Contract
Swarthmore Borough Council led off its monthly legislative session on Tuesday night with the ceremonial swearing of new police officer George Dunn, who was celebrated by a throng of fellow and family members. Officer Dunn actually began in the job last week following his official oath of office. Council president David Creagan congratulated council members Mary Walk and Ross Schmucki on their reelection, new member Jill Gaieski upon her election, and Mayor Marty Spiegel on election to his first full term. Gaieski will replace Creagan on Council as of the upcoming reorganization meeting.
Police Department Adds Officer and Technology
In its two October meetings, Swarthmore Borough Council approved several measures which should make the borough less attractive to speeders, and safer for all residents. Council members voted to approve the conditional offer of employment to Folcroft resident George Dunn as a patrol officer, gave the go-ahead to purchase two solar-powered radar speed signs, and adopted standards for hardscaping in the borough zoning code.