Summer is a season of change for the Gettysburg Borough Police Department.
Sgt. Chris Evans, the department’s officer-in-charge, told the borough council during their monthly meeting on Monday July 15 that Officer Austin Kane is the department’s newest addition. Kane graduated from the police academy on June 23, earning the top shooter award. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Kane has begun his field training, and Evans encourages the public to get to know him. Evans said the department has another cadet at the academy who is expected to graduate in about seven months.
Evans also commended WellSpan Health for their partnerships with the department. He and Sgt. Harald Pruy recently attended an active shooter training at Gettysburg Hospital.
Since Evans’ promotion in June following the resignation of Chief Robert Glenny, the department has had a gap in its Criminal Investigation Division. Evans lauded Officer Alec Lardarello for stepping up and expressing interest in acquiring the training necessary for the position. Evans advised the council that overtime has increased since Glenny’s departure due to the reduced staff.
Moving Forward
The council unanimously approved a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Coleman McDonough for an external review of the police department’s practices, policies, procedures, and other processes relevant to effective police administration. Council did not state how much the assessment will cost.
Additionally, the council authorized Solicitor Harry Eastman to prepare a proposed revision to the ordinance that outlines the police chief’s qualifications, abilities, administrative duties, and responsibilities. Last month, the council debated whether the chief should be required to possess a bachelor’s degree.
The council also authorized the borough’s Civil Service Commission to update rules and regulations relative to the chief of police and administration of the department. The Civil Service Commission’s recommendations must pass a borough council vote before enactment.
During public comment, resident Wade Lauer, a retired Pennsylvania State Police trooper and chief Adams County detective, encouraged the council not to require the chief to have a bachelor’s degree.
Lauer said he has a bachelor’s degree in criminology but believes the required department will exclude current members of the department.
“There is little in holding a bachelor’s degree that prepares you for today’s leadership roles within law enforcement,” Lauer said. “Leadership in law enforcement is a learned process not found in textbooks but rather through experience of watching other leaders, both good and bad, to recognize how to motivate and communicate effectively with the department and, just as importantly, with the community.”
Lauer encouraged the council to hire a local candidate who already has relationships with the community.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.