Braddock considering joining Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department
BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- Borough leaders in Braddock are making a plea to the public about their hopes for their police force to join the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department.
Council members haven't voted just yet on whether they will join the joint department. Meanwhile, residents have mixed opinions, but the borough manager seems to be leaning towards a merger.
A community meeting was held Wednesday night to allow people to discuss the potential merger.
The Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department is made up of neighboring agencies from North Braddock, Rankin, and East Pittsburgh, and recently began patrolling back in April.
Previously, Braddock council members voted to not be a part of the department, but that may be changing.
"We believe what the commission is offering will provide comprehensive coverage where we don't have it right now," said Borough Manager Louis Ransom, Jr. "We're hoping that in the future, it will play out that way so that we'll not only be saving money but have a higher quality of policing."
Braddock currently only has three part-time officers, whereas the regionalized force currently has seven full-time officers.
Conversations about the merger are still happening and there's no word on when a vote may come up.
Residents feelings are mixed
While leaders in Braddock make their pleas to the public about potentially joining the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department, the feelings amongst the public are decidedly mixed.
Teresa P. wants to feel comfortable living in Braddock, but right now she doesn't feel the local police are able to keep up.
"We truly need safety in the community," Teresa said. "I don't think it's enough coverage."
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She said last month it took 16 hours to resolve a possible illegal parking situation.
"The police department here in Braddock was not available," Teresa said.
Slow response times are just one reason why the borough is exploring the possibility of joining the newly formed Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department.
The force, made up of neighboring agencies from North Braddock, Rankin, and East Pittsburgh, only began patrolling in April. Previously, the Braddock council voted not to be a part of it.
Manager Louis Ransom Jr. said this time is different.
"We want to have the relationship with our police that we can count on them to be around whenever the residents need them," Ransom said.
With the town only having three part-time officers, the regionalized department has seven full-time and yet, some folks question whether that would be enough.
"If you're covering more area, would you be responsible for more calls?" Teresa said.
However, overall, they think any option may be better than the current situation.
Khalaya Brooks lives in East Pittsburgh.
"They have more cops that you know, are going to be able to help them out when they need help," Brooks said.
"You've got to give everything a chance, you know to see how it works," Teresa said.