Bensalem SPRING 2009 - 1,2,19,20 - Bensalem Township

COP CORNER
DECREASE IN CRIME - INCREASE IN POLICE SERVICES
The National Criminal Justice Association based out
of Washington, D.C., has reported a nationwide
increase in crime. In October 2008, CNN reported that
United States police departments are streamlining as
well as reducing training and cutting back on some
prevention programs as their budgets fall victim to the
struggling economy. USA Today reported that the
collapse of United States financial markets has forced
deep cuts in local police agencies causing fear among
police departments across the country that massive
home foreclosures may be responsible for bringing
more crime to the suburbs. However, in Bensalem
Township in 2008, we had an over 11% decrease in
crime; which was the highest decrease in the past five
years. In addition, we had our highest crime clearance
rates – we were able to make arrests and solve more
crimes in 2008 than in the last five years.
As police departments throughout the country feel
the impact of our struggling economy, Bensalem
Township continues to bring new initiatives, more
BENSALEM EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT NEEDS YOUR HELP
As Bensalem Emergency Management continues to train and prepare for a variety
of incidents that our municipality might be faced with, we are asking for your help.
A tear out information sheet is included in this newsletter which will allow us to
identify the residents within our Township that have special needs and require special
assistance during times of crisis. These needs could include individuals with
disabilities, diabetes, mental health issues; or people that are on oxygen or need
special care when being evacuated; or need to have constant access during snow
emergencies.
In order to be better prepared and make sure that we can identify and contact all
our special needs residents during a crisis, we need to have any resident with special
needs fill out the information sheet and return it either in person or via mail to the
Bensalem Township Municipal Building, c/o Department of Public Safety, 2400 Byberry
Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.
All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIAL NEEDS INFORMATION
Name of Person: __________________________________ Age: _____________
Location of Residence: ________________________________________________
Home Phone: ________________________________________________________
Cell Phone: __________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact: __________________________________________________
Nature of Problem: ____________________________________________________
Needs Oxygen Needs Dialysis Mentally Challenged
Deaf (May not be able to hear smoke alarm)
Needs Assistance Evacuating Home
Other Help Needed (Please Explain) _______________________________
programs, and more services to the residents of
Bensalem. We have increased our patrols and maintain
an above standard patrol response to calls for service in
our community. We were able to accomplish this by
working as a cohesive team. Through proper budgeting,
we were able to increase our training which brings
valuable assets to the citizens of Bensalem Township.
We continue to seek out and obtain funding from a
variety of sources including both federal and state
grants.
The Bensalem Township Police Department not
only continues to be the “go to” police department in
Bucks County, but is also regarded as one of leading
agencies within the state of Pennsylvania.
In 2008, we were not only able to increase the size of
some of our specialty units such as K-9, but we were
able to add officers to multi-jurisdictional task forces,
allowing us to work with other agencies and state and
federal police departments to help better serve the
citizens of Bensalem Township.
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP
POLICE DEPARTMENT
IS LOOKING FOR
NEW RECRUITS
For more information call:
215-633-3702 or visit our
website: www.bensalempolice.org
The Bensalem Township
Police Department
is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PROTECT WITH HONOR,
SERVE WITH PRIDE
COP CORNER
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ARMSTRONG
March 10th
April 11th
April 18th
April 22nd
April 24th
May 7th
May 13th
May 16th
MEMORIAL PLAQUE DEDICATION
On April 18, 2009, a memorial plaque dedication ceremony will be held in
honor of fallen Officer Robert A Yezzi killed tragically on August 12, 1980. This
ceremony will be held at the Robert A. Yezzi Memorial park located at Hulmeville
Road and Wildman Ave. A second dedication ceremony in honor of Officer
James Armstrong who was tragically killed on April 15, 1975 will be held
immediately following at James Armstrong Memorial Park located at Bensalem
Blvd & Flushing Road.
These Parks are a living memorial to our beloved and never forgotten
Bensalem Township Police Officers. For additional information, please visit the
Bensalem Township Police Department's website at www.bensalempolice.org.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
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YEZZI
Township Building Closed In Observance of Good Friday
Possible Household Hazardous Drop-Off Event at Public Works, watch for announcement!
Bensalem Police Plaque Dedication Ceremony For Fallen Officers Armstrong and Yezzi
Earth Day - Are You Recycling Did You Remember It's Also Administrative Professionals Day
Arbor Day - Plant a Tree or Bush!
Bensalem Police Memorial Commemoration in Tandem with National Police Week
TD Bank Amphitheater Concert Season Begins! www.tdbaevents.com
Bensalem Township/Bensalem Kiwanis Imagination Land Playground's First Program of
Season. Additionally on May 16th the new Recreational Facility located at Rockhill Drive and
Richlieu Road opens its gates!
FUNDING FOR BENSALEM EMS
Philadelphia Park Casino provides funding to the Bensalem
Emergency Medical Services in support of the community.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
Earlier this year the Bensalem Fire Marshal's Office
chemistry of fire and ways to prevent a fire from
received nearly 100 smoke alarms from the Operation 6 ABC
happening.
Save a Life Program. Every year, 6 ABC helps local fire The staff will assist with setting up fire drills and
departments obtain smoke alarms that are installed in
emergency evacuation plans for your business or
homes of low income, elderly, and other residents at risk in
home.
their respective communities. Bensalem residents can
contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 215-633-3617 schedule a
The staff attends numerous community events
free smoke alarm installation.
throughout the year. If you would like a member of
The Staff of the Fire Marshal's Office focuses on fire
the Fire Marshal's Office to attend your
safety in the community. The staff can provide a series of
organizations next event contact the Fire Marshal's
safety trainings and fire prevention programs for your
Office during normal business hours.
school, organization or business in Bensalem Township.
The staff provides fire safety training for businesses
The staff provides a Fire Prevention Program for and organizations.
schools and daycares that is second to none when
o Hands on Fire Extinguisher Training
it comes to educating children. The program
o How to Prevent Fires in the workplace/home
includes what to do when a smoke alarm sounds,
o Fire Safety for Seniors
the importance of having an escape plan from your If you have any questions or would like to schedule a
home, knowing at least two ways out, dialing 911 fire safety program contact the Fire Marshal's Office at
for emergencies and for older children the basic 215-633-3617 Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
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