Monday, Jan. 26, 2009
More Pa. towns opting for state police protection
- The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. — More Pennsylvania municipalities are handing over police protection to state troopers to relieve their straining budgets.
That worries state lawmaker Ronald Marsico of Dauphin County, who says the state police will not have enough resources if the trend continues.
He suggested giving incentives to regionalize municipal police forces or increasing the enforcement powers of sheriffs and constables.
Since the beginning of 2008, 18 municipalities have switched.
Williamstown Borough in Dauphin County expects to save nearly half its $377,000 budget by opting for state police protection, which costs the towns nothing.
State police currently provide full- or part-time service to two-thirds of Pennsylvania's more than 2,500 municipalities.
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