What’s Next for South Coatesville? Learn More About the Police Regionalization Process

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SOUTH COATESVILLE, PA — South Coatesville Borough residents could soon have an entirely new police department, as officials begin the process of regionalizing police services, reports Brenden Curry for LNP/LancasterOnline.

On April 25, during a council meeting, the Borough Manager was tasked with writing a letter of intent to the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services to begin exploring this possibility. Police Chief Kevin Pierce requested the council to send the letter, which is the first step in the process. This feasibility study, which is under the Department of Community and Economic Development, will come at no cost to the borough.

According to police Sergeant Barry Gober, the South Coatesville Police Department currently provides police services to neighboring Modena Borough as part of an agreement that comes at no cost to the borough. With seven part-time officers, a senior patrolman, a sergeant, and a police chief, the department already “regionalizes” its coverage. However, Gober believes that official regionalization would provide more officers and grant opportunities for South Coatesville, including the crucial prospect of hiring full-time officers.

During the council meeting, Council member Sylvia Washington inquired whether the regionalization encompassed Coatesville city and East Fallowfield Township police departments. Sergeant Gober clarified that the regionalization would only apply to South Coatesville and Modena boroughs, in addition to any townships or boroughs that contract with the department in the future. It’s important to note that Chester County already has two regional police departments, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department that covers West Grove and Avondale boroughs as well as New Garden Township, and the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department that serves Westtown, Thornbury and East Goshen townships.

Borough Solicitor, Chris Gerber, from Siana Law Firm expressed his full support for the idea, stating, “It’s a very good idea, and Sergeant Gober is right on.”

The South Coatesville council is holding its next meeting on May 9th, 7 p.m. at Chester County Public Safety Training Campus on 137 Modena Road in Coatesville. Make sure to attend and stay informed!

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