January 4, 2006
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
With more than 25 years in law enforcement, Clair Damon said it's ridiculous to suggest he is against police departments.
"I've got no problem having a police force, because we have some businesses up here," the Union Township supervisor said.
While he wants to institute changes in the department, regionalization is not among them.
"I have never been approached by anybody even to discuss the possibility of Union Township coming in as one of the communities in a regional police department," said Chief James B. Morris Jr., who heads the Northwest Regional Police Department.
That department, which started operations in 2004, provides protection to more than 7,000 people in Pulaski and Mahoning townships. Among police departments in the county, Northwest Regional covers the largest territory - 56.6 square miles.
The possibility of regionalization became an issue when Union's police and supervisors included language addressing it when the department's contract was extended through 2011. The extension was passed in November.
That agreement was voided by the incoming board of supervisors, who met Jan. 3 for its reorganization meeting.
"It does not exist legally," township solicitor Gabriel Cilli said.
A section of the voided pact details what would have taken place had the department disbanded and the township joined a regional force. Ultimately, the department would have had to agree to the changes. The language also addressed pension issues involved with disbanding or dissolving the unit.
This issue is not addressed in the 2004-2006 contract, which Cilli said the police are bound by.
In 2000, the state offered to pay for a police regionalization study for interested Lawrence County municipalities. Wayne and Perry townships took part in one study, while Pulaski and Mahoning townships were involved in another.
During his first term as supervisor, Damon said, he never looked into regionalizing the force.
"That was another rumor that started - once again I was going to push for the regionalization."
However, he did question why the township did not take part in the state study.
"I really think you should look into it," Damon recalled commenting as a township resident during a public meeting.
"It doesn't cost you anything. Why would you not at least explore the avenues?"
Former supervisor Steve Galizia questioned the viability of regional departments.
"They're having their growing pains right now," he said, "meaning they're not getting the coverage they thought they could get."
Morris said the newly formed Northwest Regional department is enjoying community support.
"Both communities and both boards of supervisors are extremely happy with everything that is taking place."
Morris said the possibility exists that other communities may join the department.
"It's not limited to just two townships. Conceivably, another township could join."
Copyright (c) 2006, New Castle News
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