Department adding to active shooter response equipment

WEST ROCKHILL » Pennridge Regional Police Department is adding to the equipment officers have on hand in case they have to deal with an active shooter incident similar to ones that have happened recently in other parts of the country.

The need comes In light of incidents such as the ones in Uvalde, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Highland Park, Illinois, Pennridge Regional Chief Paul Dickinson told the Pennridge Regional Police Commission July 27.

“I did some evaluation of the equipment that we have and came to the opinion that we probably should look into purchasing some equipment for our officers so that we’re better prepared for a situation of this intensity,” Dickinson said.

He recommended buying 12 plate carrier vests, 12 ballistic helmets and seven sets of forcible entry tools at a total cost of $13,100.

“These are things that we don’t have in the department right now. I believe that we need to be prepared for these types of situations,” he said.

“While the department does have some tactical equipment in each patrol vehicle there is a lack of sufficient protection available to our officers. The current equipment is not fitted for mobility of the officers and also is dated,” Dickinson wrote in a memo to the commission.

The plate carrier vests, which have front and back coverings, will add protection from rifle shots that could penetrate the standard protective vests, he wrote.

The forcible entry tools include a Halligan tool and an 8-pound sledge hammer, he wrote.

“These tools are essential in gaining entry into secured rooms and are recommended to have available in an active shooter situation,” Dickinson wrote.

The vests and helmets would be issued to each of the officers to be used in active shooter or other tactical situations, he wrote.

The purchase was approved with commission members saying they thought it was a good idea.

In other matters at the meeting:

• With the purchase of new Tasers earlier this year, the department’s old Tasers and accompanying equipment that the department can no longer use were sold for $2,445, Dickinson said.

• The department recently held its annual Red Cross blood drive, during which 29 units of blood were received, Dickinson said.