By TAYLOR BROWN
[email protected]
Fallowfield Township has not had a local police department in nearly a decade, but remains well protected thanks to state police.
The township is one of a handful of Mon Valley communities without its own police department, doesn’t belong to a regional police force or contract with neighboring municipalities for coverage.
Despite push from neighboring communities to join forces in the past several years, Fallowfield supervisors have not swayed in their stance that state police protection is the best way to go.
When the township operated its own part-time department, it cost about $400,000 per year.
Under state police coverage, the township and taxpayers do not pay out of pocket for police protection.
While local departments typically provide monthly reports to communities within their coverage area, the township receives an annual report – unless otherwise requested – from the Belle Vernon state police barracks.
On Wednesday, Lt. Steve Driscoll, Belle Vernon Barracks station commander, presented the information and answered questions from supervisors and residents.
Driscoll recently took his position at the Belle Vernon station and has been making his way to local governing bodies to introduce himself and provide updates and crime statistics to elected officials and community members.
In the past 12 months, Driscoll said troopers have responded to 1,142 calls in Fallowfield.
Of those, 26 DUI arrests were made, 731 traffic citations were issued, 236 traffic warnings were written, 123 traffic crashes were investigated and 76 criminal arrests were made.
Troopers also investigated 12 non-traffic related deaths including natural deaths, accidents, suicides and overdoses.
Driscoll said Fallowfield is a safe community.
“Although there is crime here, it is nothing that shows any type of trends or patterns,” he said. “We have a very proactive crime unit and we keep an eye on the various types of crimes and trends to compare those with surrounding communities to maximize our resources and make efficient arrests when possible.”
For questions about police coverage or to contact Driscoll, call the state police barracks at 724-929-6262.
In other business
• Supervisors unanimously agreed to have trick-or-treat from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct 31.
• Approved an updated mailbox liability ordinance that holds property owners responsible for maintenance, damage and other upkeep of mailboxes on properties.
• Approved an updated heavy hauling ordinance that gives the township permission to follow through criminally and civilly against haulers who break the ordinance or cause damage to township roads or property.