Lower Mac to Evaluate Police Protection

The Lower Macungie Public Safety Committee intends to send township residents a brief survey regarding the future of police presence within its borders.

Currently it's patrolled by the .

Committee member Scott Aquila outlined the simple questionnaire and material to be sent along with it at the July 19 meeting. Its purpose is simply to collect residents' opinions and to help steer the township's decisions in the right direction, he said.

Since legislation is being considered in Harrisburg that would charge townships that rely solely on State Police for coverage a separate fee per household, Lower Macungie is exploring its options.

Lower Macungie Township would be affected by the legislation if it passes, Aquila said.

Though there are several parts to some, the survey includes only five questions:

1. Are you satisfied with our township’s current State Police arrangement and level of protection?

2. Do you believe the level of State Police services are adequate from

     a. a traffic enforcement/safety standpoint?

     b. a burglary investigation and property surveillance standpoint?

3. Considering the state is considering charging local townships for State Police services, should the township consider other options for its police protection?

4. If the costs were similar, what type of police services would you prefer?

     a. Keeping our current services arrangement with the State Police?

     b. Establishing our own Lower Macungie Township Police Department?

     c. Joining a regional police force with another township?

     d. Contracting out our police services with another township?

5. If the costs were not similar, what type of police services would you prefer?

     a. The least expensive?

     b. The most expensive?

     c. Between the least and most expensive?

Aquila also said that Lower Macungie is a 24-square-mile municipality with approximately 30,000 residents. And it continues to grow.

State Police crime volume statistics, which will be included with the survey, indicate that in the last 10 years the number of incidents the State Police respond to have increased as the population of the township has increased.

The survey will be mailed to residents after it is approved by the township commissioners.