The West Manchester Township Police Department has had a long and distinguished history of providing superior police service to our community. This is the direct result of the very dedicated men and women who have served and continue to serve this fine Township in which we live. Through their efforts, they have established an excellent tradition. It is therefore incumbent that this generation of police officers and staff carry on that tradition as we approach the 50th anniversary of our existence as a police department in the year 2010.

In an effort to establish this objective, we have adopted our departmental motto, "Second to None." The significance of this motto is twofold. First, it is our goal to provide our citizens with police service that is second to none on a daily basis. Second, if this goal is achieved, the reputation of the West Manchester Township Police Department is second to none in respect to all others.

The motto, "Second to None," has been printed on all West Manchester Township Police Department letterhead, envelopes, business cards and identification cards to serve as a reminder to all of our staff the commitment that we make to you -- police service that is "Second to None."

On behalf of the officers and staff of the West Manchester Township Police Department, it is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you. If we can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

At its regular meeting of January 29, 1960, the West Manchester Township Board of Supervisors received a petition signed by 56 township residents requesting that it consider the formation of a full time police department. In response to the petition, the Board directed the solicitor to prepare an ordinance to form such a department. The result was Resolution 60-1, adopted on February 26, 1960, which established the West Manchester Township Police Department.

Prior to the resolution, the Pennsylvania State Police provided police services. It is also apparent that G. Cleveland Zimmerman, a Constable and owner of his own private detective agency, had a hand in providing public safety at the time. In fact, the September 27, 1957, public meeting minutes note that the Township Supervisors granted permission to Zimmerman to hire additional help during the Halloween season. According to an October 8, 1957, newspaper article, Clair Gross, a special school patrol officer, was named as a special police officer in the Township to assist Zimmerman in curbing vandalism and destruction of property by Halloween pranksters.

The resolution called for a chief and one patrolman. Members were to serve a probationary period of three months prior to the permanent appointment unless the Township was satisfied as to the ability, integrity and experience of the applicant in which case the probationary period would be waived. Shifts would be eight hours a day for six days a week. The officers were, however, expected to be available for emergency calls for 24 hours a day.

Having served the Township for approximately four years prior to the formation of the Police Department, Cleve Zimmerman was appointed as the Chief of Police. To provide for uniforms, equipment, and salaries of the Chief and a patrolman, $17,000 was allocated. With a portion of these funds, the Township purchased a new 1960 patrol vehicle from Ammon R. Smith Auto Company for the lowest bid of $2,102. Also, Peak Radio Service was awarded a contract to provide radio equipment at a cost of $1,343.

Part I crimes are the most serious and include assault, rape, robbery, burglary, and theft. Part II crimes are less serious crimes and include harassment, disorderly conduct, vandalism, drunk driving, forgeries, etc.

In addition to regular police services, the West Manchester Township Police Department provides many other services. Some of these include:

Crime Prevention

The West Manchester Township Police Department has a full time Crime Prevention Officer that actively promotes crime prevention. This is accomplished through various programs. The following more fully describes these programs:

Residential/Commercial Safety Surveys: The West Manchester Township Police Department's Crime Prevention Officer will conduct a free survey of your home or business and provide suggestions to deter burglary or theft crimes. Please call the Crime Prevention Department at 792-9514 for additional information.

Crime Prevention Speakers Available: Civic groups seeking speakers for their meetings or events can arrange to have a West Manchester Township Police Officer speak on various topics. Also, business owners/managers can schedule safety discussions with their employees. Again, please contact the Crime Prevention Department for this service.

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program:  The West Manchester Township Police Department, in a joint effort with the West York Area School District, teaches the D.A.R.E. core curriculum to fifth grade students, and the D.A.R.E. visitation curriculum to first grade students. 

What is the D.A.R.E. Program?  It is a drug prevention education program designed to equip elementary school children with skills to resist the peer pressure to experiment with tobacco, drugs and alcohol.  The program gives special attention to students prior to entering middle/junior high school where they are most likely to encounter pressures to use drugs.  Each class of core curriculum students receives 17 hours of training. 

The West Manchester Township Police Department current D.A.R.E. Officer is Keith Roehm.  One of the Department’s goals is to expand the D.A.R.E. curriculum to junior and senior high school students.

Officer Ollie and Child Fingerprint & Photo Identification Program: The Police Department assists local day care centers, pre-school facilities and other agencies with these programs during which general safety, stranger awareness, and traffic safety, to name just a few, are stressed to children.

Drug Task Force

The Police Department has assigned a police officer, on a part time basis, to serve with the York County Drug Task Force to address local drug problems.

Forensic Unit

The Police Department has assigned two police officers to serve as needed with the York County Forensic Unit. The team is trained to process and collect evidence from major crime scenes.

Center for Highway Safety

The Police Department works closely with the York County Center for Highway Safety in an effort to target D.U.I. offenders. This is accomplished by operating random D.U.I. checkpoints throughout the Township with the goal of stopping D.U.I. violators. The Department has been very successful in this effort.

Vacation Checks:

The Police Department offers the service of monitoring your residence while you are on vacation. This service is available to anyone residing in the Township. Simply call the Police Department at 792-9514 before you depart for your vacation.

Policing in York New Salem

The West Manchester Township Police Department is contracted by the Borough of York New Salem to provide police services.