The recent terrorist events of September 11 continue to impact police agencies across the nation, as well as the lives of all Americans who have witnessed the many forms of destruction that these horrific acts have caused. Police departments are being tasked to take on more duties from patrolling airports and government facilities to answering chemical/biological hazardous material calls as well as protecting the community in which they serve. We, as a police agency, are entering into uncertain times.Keeping pace with the increasing need for police services is difficult at best.

In the past Bern Township was fortunate to be able to escape many types of crime that neighboring communities were experiencing. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. The Bern Township Police force is small by comparison but has become very busy due to our area’s rapid growth.

Unfortunately as commercial ventures and residential housing increases in the Township,  crime can be expected to increase accordingly. However, recent increases in police staffing by the Bern Township Board of Supervisors has demonstrated the Township’s commitment to maintain a professional police department and insure the safety of our community and maintain our quality of life.

We are very fortunate to have officers who are sincerely dedicated to working with the citizens of the community in which they serve. We have seen the results of how community policing can successfully improve our agencie's ability to control crime and address the quality of life issues within the community.

No community will ever completely eliminate crime, but with community involvement we can drastically reduce the crime rate in Bern Township. In keeping with that thought, and to achieve effective community involvement, please remember to always keep a watch out for your neighbor. Do not hesitate to report anything you think may be suspicious. This is the most essential element to a crime free neighborhood.

I welcome you to the Bern Township Police Department's web site. I invite you to browse through our department information. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact me or any other member of the Bern Township Police Department.

Sincerely,

Douglas L. Knoblauch

Chief of Police