Crime & Safety

Meet Newtown Police Officer Christopher Barksdale

Get to know this Newtown police officer.

Marple Newtown Patch wants you to get to know your first responders. They do dangerous work and Patch would like to recognize them. Meet first responder Christopher Barksdale who is an officer with the .

Name: Christopher Barksdale

Age: 31

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Hometown: Lived in Delco all his life, grew up in Glenolden but now lives in Wilmington, DE.

Rank/Title: Patrolman

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How long have you been with the Newtown Police Department?

It’s been 18 months now with the Newtown Police Department. *I previously worked in Philly for the SEPTA Transportation Police Department. I was there for seven years. But I've been in the field for nine years.

What do you like about your job?

I like the ability to help and interact with the community on a variety of different levels. I think it makes it a pleasure to work here as a cop. The ability to have thorough training and to make your own decisions while dealing with a variety of different situations...makes it a job that is very rewarding.

What do you dislike about your job?

Mostly the communication barriers that exists with the community in general. The community's perception, in general, can affect the police department and I think a little bit of teamwork goes a long way.

What inspired you to become a police officer?

I grew up in a family of law enforcement officers in the Philadelphia Police Department and friends who were also in law enforcement. I grew up in a very sports-oriented family–between family in law enforcement and sports, both aspects were big on my upbringing and seemed to paved the way. Those things combined have similar goals–working together with a common goal–and that’s what the police department is all about. I received a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Scranton and began working at the Philadelphia Police Academy for SEPTA Transportation Police Department soon after. Right now, I'm looking to get my Master’s degree in administration justice at Wilmington University. 

What do you like about the Marple Newtown area?

I think this specific area of Delco is a very thriving area with positive attributes. The area is up and coming with the amount of land here. There's a sense of community and respect for each other and the police department, which makes it a pleasure to work here every day.

What do you want the general public to know about the Newtown Police Department?

As a group, we’re made up of a talented group of men here who are highly trained in police work–we’re very highly educated, some with Master’s degrees, and all are trained in all aspects of police work. It would surprise you with the amount of training our guys have...they are a very talented and experienced group of guys. It’s not a place where you come to work just out of the police academy–you have to have some experience working here.

*Editor's note: The original version of this article incorrectly stated that Officer Barksdale currently worked at the SEPTA Transportation Police Department.


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