Over 1,500 Police Calls Since January, New Police Fees Approved

NEWTOWN SQUARE–A total of 1,536 police calls were made since January of this year, reported Chief Dennis Anderson.

According to Anderson, the breakdown of police incidents over the past two months are as follows: 7 DUIs were issued, 118 township alarms were answered, 69 suspicious persons or circumstances were investigated, 20 domestic violence calls, 32 fire calls were made, 158 medical emergencies, 94 accidents, 83 citations and 60 traffic warnings were issued.

In regards to the number of car crashes since Jan. 1, Anderson said it was mainly due to the recent storms.

Vice Chairwoman Linda Houldin (R-6th District) shared her concern about the number of domestic violence calls at the Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 28, but, according to Anderson, the number is consistent to the township's incident history in domestic calls.

At Monday's meeting, the supervisors approved to raise the rate for hiring an officer off duty–regardless of rank–from the current average of $65 to $75 per hour with an amended rate if the officer has to work over a holiday, in which they are paid overtime. The police car usage rate was also approved–$50 for four hours and $100 for eight hours.

A new police fee was also approved at the meeting. A $15 flat fee will be charged to each individual seeking any type of fingerprinting services, which include services to adoption, doctors, nurses and businesses.