This data does not seem to support the need for a local police force. Maybe a partnership with local communities at best.

The Pennsylvania State police are the most qualified, best trained, and best equipped police force in the state and one of the best in the nation. There is no way a township or regional force could ever match their experience, qualifications, professionalism, or vast resources. ON top of this they are fair, impartial, and not subject to the local bureaucratic shenanigans and lawsuits recently seen in surrounding communities. They are well worth any price the state wishes to charge us to avoid the political hot potato, lawsuits, and pension debacles of other local forces.

The state police have a TOTAL authorized complement of approx. 4700 men. That is everyone including administration to cover the entire state. They are currently short 450 troopers and are projecting a shortage of 1200 people shortly due to retirements with no cadet classes in sight due to budget problems. They are currently under fire in William port because of their decision to cut the aviation unit there. Do an internet search, you might be surprised. The primary mission of PSP when formed was highway patrol/traffic enforcement. The main problem through the years is municipalities such as LMT who feel that they will go the cheap route and depend on the state. Don't forget that it is everyone's taxes that pay for their free ride.

I disagree about the need not being there. Take a look at the enforcement numbers. They may not look like much but keep in mind that those numbers are put up by what is basically a part time department. The reason I say a part time department is because LMT is not the only municipality PSP patrols so they are only there part of the time. A department with a permanent presence in the township would produce much higher numbers. That being said, I have always believed that regional departments are the best course both financially and response/patrol wise.

Right now the statistics don't warrant a LMT police force.

The logical answer is a UMT/LMT regional. Makes sense because the reason we may someday need a police force at all is 100% completely the townships strategy of doubling down on warehouse development.

There is no other reason. The crime statistics which are for the most part unchanged over the last year simply do not warrant a go it alone LMT dept which would immediately lead to a major tax increase.

Macungie borough has in the past reached out to LMT for a very preliminary meeting and LMT declined. This I don't understand. Also borough of Alburtis should be at this table. LMT literally surrounds the borough on 4 sides. IF and when the time comes to explore options other then state police then Regionalization is the only way to go.

One of the main resident concerns seems to be speeding. It should be noted Lt. Colon and a Sg who were in attendance last night spoke to this at length.

The community can and does regularly request site visits by a trooper. What happens then is the barracks sets up essentially a mini study gathering data... average speeds, top speed recorded, times ect. ect.

The result most often is the average speed does not warrant maintaining presence.

NOW does this mean there isnt a problem? I would say NO. There is definitely a problem. Take Millcreek road by the bridge (Schmoyer bridge) over Little Lehigh. Half dozen residents from this neighborhood were in attendance last night. The speed limit here is 35 MPH in a residential section on a curvy road with driveways.

The solution in this example is not enforcement (it's been shown speeding is not an issue) its the SPEED LIMIT itself which needs to be reduced to a more appropriate 25 MPH. This is a township Rd.

The BOC sent this committee.... which is standard procedure it seems. No solutions, send to committee. I plan on following this closely to see what comes of this.

The absence of a township police force in LMT was one of many factors that prevented EPSD form building a new high school on Rt. 100 in the 1990's.