West Hills police chief: regional force is eyeing surplus equipment; e‑bike safety education planned

West Hills Regional Police Chief Newman told the Upper Yoder Township board on July 6 that the department logged 500 reports of service in June and 2,651 calls year‑to‑date, with 157 of that month’s calls occurring in Upper Yoder (721 YTD). He said the department is preparing an educational push about e‑bikes and scooters after officers observed unsafe riding by minors.

“State law is they have to be over 16 to ride an ebike,” Chief Newman said, and the department plans to pursue an education-first approach before stricter enforcement. He described parents buying higher‑powered bicycles and scooters that children are using on sidewalks and roads, resulting in hazardous behavior such as running stop signs and riding in travel lanes.

Chief Newman also addressed the township’s remaining police equipment, saying a newly forming regional department (referred to on the record as Glendale Regional) has expressed interest in some items. He said township staff are allowing time for the regional unit to organize before final disposition of surplus assets.

The chief reported progress on a temporary office location at 1st Summit Bank, noting furniture and a network upgrade are in place and that the department has been coordinating with local municipalities on response and operations. He said the department will have an informational presence at the Heroes event on Aug. 2 and hopes to distribute literature about e‑bike safety.

Why it matters: the police report links local public‑safety trends (e‑bike incidents) to possible regional consolidation of resources and to near‑term community outreach efforts. The board heard the statistics and the chief’s plan but took no immediate further action beyond routine acknowledgment.

What’s next: Chief Newman said the department will continue planning its education program and will report back as the regional interest in equipment develops.