SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Police officer candidates will no longer have to have a college degree to apply in the township.
Township commissioners voted to adopt the change, among others, to the South Whitehall Township Police Department recruitment process at its meeting Wednesday.
- South Whitehall commissioners voted to drop the college requirement for new police officers, among other changes to the recruitment process
- The changes come as the department has had trouble recruiting new officers, Chief Glen Dorney said
- In other news, commissioners voted to add eight "No Parking" signs and street lights along Chapmans Road
Candidates will still be required to hold a high school diploma or a GED. Previously, the department required a two-year degree, a four-year degree or 30 college credits with military experience.
“Knowing police officers that don't have degrees and how good at this job they are, I realized that's not necessarily where that heart of the service comes from."South Whitehall Police Chief Glen Dorney
Township Police Chief Glen Dorney said when he first came to the department, he appreciated that it had a college degree requirement. But now, he no longer thinks holding a college degree is necessary to be a good police officer.
“Knowing police officers that don't have degrees and how good at this job they are, I realized that's not necessarily where that heart of the service comes from,” Dorney said.
The majority of police departments across the country do not have college degree requirements, according to PoliceOfficer.org. Dorney said many other departments in the region also do not require college degrees.
But some studies suggest college-educated police officers use force less often than their high-school-educated peers and are less likely to fire their weapons in the line of duty.
Dorney said he is “very confident” the department will be able to hire people who meet the department’s standards even without the college requirement.
Recruitment challenges
Police departments across the country are struggling to find enough candidates, and South Whitehall is no exception, Dorney said.
Dorney said he thinks dropping the college requirement will help increase the applicant pool. Commissioners' Vice President David Kennedy agreed.
“I've heard from many people in law enforcement outside of South Whitehall, who respect the township, respect our police officers, would love to come here, but they don't meet the college requirements,” Kennedy said.
The board also passed several other changes to the recruitment process to help with the challenges, including paying officers with multiple years of experience in other departments more than a first-year officer.
Other business
Commissioners also voted to add eight "No Parking" signs along Chapmans Road and install street lights near Vistas Park.
Township Manager Tom Petrucci said the change was recommended after a clear sight distance study conducted by Township Engineer Anthony Tallarida.
Director of Community Development David Manhardt said the township will soon start making a comprehensive transportation plan, which will have public engagement once the process begins.
