Bern Township ratifies police policy change, radar device grant application and vehicle disposals

Bern Township supervisors on Oct. 5 approved several police-department items, including an amendment to the department’s grooming and appearance policy, ratification of a grant application for mobile radar speed message devices, the sale of three patrol vehicles and appointment of a grievance committee in a disciplinary case.

Chief of Police Wesley Waugh told the board the grooming-and-appearance policy should explicitly apply while an officer is on duty, appearing in court or representing the department in uniform; the supervisors approved the wording change in a unanimous vote.

The board also ratified a police grant application for radar speed message devices. Chief Waugh said the devices are mobile, solar-powered units with data and analysis software; they would be stored at the municipal building and deployed based on citizen complaints and accident locations. Supervisors approved ratifying the grant application unanimously.

The supervisors authorized selling three police vehicles on the online auction Municibid as a fleet reduction. Chief Waugh said future vehicle needs will depend on maintenance outcomes.

On a separate motion, the board appointed a grievance committee to consider a disciplinary matter; the committee will consist of Township Manager Brian Potts, Supervisor Dr. Boyd Wagner III and Attorney Mooney. The motion to establish the committee passed unanimously.

All votes were recorded as unanimous (five yes votes).