DV Journal

“Throughout my nearly four decades in law enforcement, one thing has always been clear: community safety is best served through collaboration and strategic deployment of all available resources. It’s this experience I brought with me to the courthouse when I became your sheriff in 2022.

By better utilizing funding, increasing staffing, and expanding programs and services, we’ve ensured this office is a visible, fully engaged, and integral partner in the county’s broader public safety network. I firmly believe our deputies possess unique skills, training, and jurisdictional reach, making them an invaluable partner to local police, municipalities, and our state and federal counterparts. We are a county-wide law enforcement agency, committed to acting as such.

Our application for participation in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) “task force model” is a direct extension of this commitment – a deliberate step to enhance our ability to protect residents by working with federal authorities within the course of our duties.

This program serves as a common-sense, targeted tool within our existing criminal justice process, specifically designed to assist us in handling individuals who have committed crimes and have warrants in Bucks County and are also present without legal authorization.

Our involvement in the 287(g) task force model is a narrowly defined initiative focused on public safety. It permits a handful of trained deputies to utilize a federal immigration information database solely for individuals taken into custody based on existing criminal charges and outstanding Bucks County warrants. The program is strictly limited to individuals already within the criminal justice process and does not authorize our deputies to perform general immigration enforcement functions in the community or inquire about immigration status during routine interactions. Crucially, we have and will continue to maintain open lines of communication with the immigrant community, faith leaders, and other community stakeholders to ensure the initiative’s purpose is clear and its effectiveness shared.

Those who break the law should face the consequences of their actions – regardless of immigration status. This initiative strategically augments overall law enforcement capacity, ensuring resources are utilized effectively to protect our communities.

This also means meaningful fiscal savings. The cost of specialized training for our deputies is fully covered by the federal government. Furthermore, transferring these individuals to federal custody frees Bucks County taxpayers from the financial costs of local jailing and transport, allowing our highly-skilled deputies to focus on their other duties.

Our PLEAC accreditation and commitment to rigorous training and proactive policing ensure our personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and professionalism to meet evolving challenges. As a result, our agency has never been more capable of its multifaceted mission. We possess the personnel, expertise, and dedication to handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities, including active participation in collaborative task forces like the 287(g) model.

When it comes to policing, the power of partnership cannot be overstated.

Our community’s 39 police agencies routinely participate in multi-jurisdictional task forces, integrating local responsibilities with broader initiatives to protect our neighborhoods. With our county-wide jurisdiction and highly trained personnel, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office should operate with that same spirit, contributing fully to collective public safety efforts – whether with ICE or anyone else where goals align.

This isn’t new, either. Our office’s track record demonstrates our capacity and commitment to interagency cooperation. We maintain strong working relationships with federal agencies like Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service, collaborating on initiatives that enhance regional safety.

My vision for the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office is complete integration and robust partnership within the broader public safety landscape with one goal: keeping our community safe. By continuing to work together, fostering open communication, and fully leveraging the distinct capabilities of all our law enforcement partners – including the exceptionally capable men and women of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office – we can collectively build a safer, more secure future for every member of our community.”

The weight of a stolen sense of safety. The echoing silence after a violent act. These are the realities that National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 6-12) forces us to confront, a stark reminder that even in the serene landscapes of Bucks County, shadows linger. As Sheriff and District Attorney, we’re not just your elected law enforcement officials, but your neighbors and professionals deeply aware of the fragility of peace and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

This year’s theme, “Connecting <KINSHIP> Healing,” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a call to action. It’s about recognizing the shared thread of humanity that binds us, the invisible ties that connect us in moments of both joy and profound sorrow. When a crime shatters the tranquility of our community, it leaves behind not just victims, but ripples of pain that touch us all.

We’ve seen the raw grief in the eyes of a parent who lost a child, the trembling fear of a survivor who must face their attacker in court, the quiet despair of a family struggling to rebuild after their sense of security is ripped away. These are not statistics; they are the faces of our community.

That’s why the Bucks County District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program isn’t just a service; it’s a lifeline. It’s the hand that reaches out in the darkness, offering guidance through the labyrinth of the justice system, providing financial assistance to ease the crushing burden, and offering emotional support to mend the shattered pieces of a life. It’s about ensuring that a victim’s voice is heard, not as a whisper in the wind, but as a powerful testament to resilience.

But healing alone is not enough. We cannot simply bandage the wounds; we must prevent them from being inflicted in the first place. Crime – in any form – threatens to erode the very foundation of our community. As leaders of over 75 law enforcement officers and 40 dedicated prosecutors, we will never stand idly by.

As Sheriff and a cop with nearly 40 years on the beat, I’ve seen the dedication of our deputies, the tireless hours spent patrolling our streets, the intelligence gathered to anticipate and disrupt potential threats. We are not just responding to crime; we are actively working to prevent it, building bridges with community members and local, state, and federal agencies – empowering them to be partners in our mission of keeping Bucks County safe.

And as District Attorney, I pledge that those who perpetrate violent crimes will face the full weight of the law. We will never tolerate those who prey upon our most vulnerable, our children.  We will not allow violent criminals to shatter the peace of our community.  Every day we will fight for the safety of our community.  We will seek justice, not just for the victims, but for the collective sense of security we all deserve.

Our offices are united. We share information, coordinate our efforts, and stand shoulder to shoulder in our commitment. But we cannot do this alone.

We call upon you, our neighbors, to be vigilant, to be engaged, to be a part of the solution. Report suspicious activity, participate in community safety initiatives, and let your voices be heard in the need to keep our neighborhood’s safe with the resources and legislative commitment they deserve. Remember, every act of vigilance, every shared piece of information, every bit of support is vital.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we don’t just recognize the victims; we renew our promise. A promise to heal the scars, to draw a line in the sand, and to build a Bucks County where law, order, and justice prevail. And that promise is only as strong as the community that upholds it, together.

(From a press release)

Volunteer firefighting is the backbone of Pennsylvania’s emergency response system. With an estimated 90 percent of the commonwealth’s 2,000-plus fire companies relying on volunteers, these neighborhood heroes play a vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting lives and property. Their dedication saves Pennsylvania communities an estimated $10 billion annually in costs that would otherwise be needed for paid firefighting services. But this service model relies on neighbors helping neighbors. Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is encouraging everyone to consider volunteering at their local fire company.

“There’s no greater reward in life than helping others in their time of need,” said Commissioner Cook. “No matter who you are, the skills you possess today are needed in your local volunteer fire station. Fire departments across the state are looking for you to knock on their door to help them now more than ever. Please consider joining your local volunteer fire company today.”

Gov. Shapiro understands this critical service to communities across the Commonwealth and his Administration has their back. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro added a $30 million competitive grant for volunteer and paid fire departments to help pay for necessary equipment, training, recruitment and retention efforts, and more. Governor Shapiro also offering communities a pilot program to collaborate to deliver services more effectively and a program to cover annual cancer screenings for firefighters.

Volunteering for a fire company isn’t just about rescuing people and battling fires. Fire companies also need volunteers for community outreach, event coordination, marketing, social media management, fundraising, and bookkeeping as most are independent non-profit corporations contracted to provide fire services by their municipality through an ordinance. So many of the skills honed through day-to-day employment can translate seamlessly into these roles, allowing community members to make a meaningful and direct impact locally.

Fire departments provide comprehensive training and equipment to ensure volunteers are well-prepared. Most departments cover the cost of accredited firefighting training through the PA State Fire Academy, along with internationally recognized certifications. In addition to the satisfaction of serving, volunteers can receive benefits such as college tuition reimbursement, stipends, insurance coverage, and property tax breaks to name a few.

Volunteer firefighting also offers a potential career path. Many fire companies offer junior firefighter programs starting at age 14, fostering a sense of service from an early age that can not only be turned into a firefighting career, but the skills and work ethic which can provide value in any career.

Despite the importance of volunteer firefighters, Pennsylvania’s volunteer numbers have significantly declined over the past several decades, putting emergency response capabilities at risk and leaving some communities vulnerable. Addressing this decline by stepping up to volunteer is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of fire services across the state.

For more information on volunteering with your local fire department, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s website or contact your local fire department to learn how you can get involved.

Anyone practicing immigration law the last few weeks has been barraged by calls from panicking clients wanting to know if they will be deported, if they will lose their children, if they should send them to school.

For me as a staff attorney with HIAS Pennsylvania’s program serving survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, these callers included one mother, a victim-witness in an active prosecution of her abuser, who wanted to know: what about me? Does it help me at all that I have been going to court, testifying, and otherwise aiding prosecutors and investigators for the last two years? Are me and my children at risk?

The current administration rode a wave of exaggeration about immigrants and crime to the White House, but the numbers do not back up their claims that immigrants are criminals. To the contrary, the facts show for anyone who cares about data more than a raw anecdote, it is abundantly clear that undocumented immigrants, regardless of their legal status, are far less likely to commit crimes – violent or otherwise – than their U.S. citizens counterparts.

We hear far less from the administration about immigrant victims. For decades, law enforcement agencies have struggled to build trust with immigrant victims of crime, who fear that coming forward, or remaining cooperative in an investigation after that initial 911 call, could expose them to deportation.

In my work as a lawyer assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, I see this challenge every day. My clients have been conditioned, often for years, by their abusers to believe that the police will not help them, and that asking for help will only lead to their deportation and wrench them away from their children. Congress sought to address this problem when it created the U visa in 2000.

This visa provides a pathway to lawful immigration status for victims who cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of violent crimes committed against them. The U visa has provided law enforcement with a valuable tool, born of the recognition that when victims are willing to come forward, all of us are safer.

Yet on Friday, Jan. 31, reports emerged that ICE had rescinded its prior guidance that agents should consider victim status when making enforcement decisions. Social media amplified these rumors, and panic spread in immigrant communities.

That Monday, I was inundated with calls from panicked clients with pending applications for U visas, asking if ICE was going to deport them. A particularly pernicious online rumor said that the U visa itself had been cancelled. (That is not true, though the U visa is a target of the infamous Project 2025).

This latest ICE announcement attacking crime victims followed on the heels of the well-publicized news that ICE could begin enforcement operations in locations previously deemed off-limits, including the courts. Victim-witnesses must now contend with fears of encountering deportation agents when they appear to testify against their abusers.

All of this undermines the 20-year effort by law enforcement to build trust with vulnerable victims of crime. It remains unclear how such policies might be implemented by ICE in practice. But what has been very clear to immigrant survivors is the overarching message: you are not safe. When fears grow within the immigrant community, abusers gain leverage. ICE compromises public safety when their messages undermine victims’ confidence in the legal systems meant to protect them, as well as for all of us.

The 2024 election delivered a clear and resounding message: Americans demand public safety be restored and criminals be held accountable.

In addition to Republicans sweeping Congress, reclaiming the presidency and holding the state legislative majorities, voters approved critical criminal justice ballot measures like California’s Prop 36, Colorado’s Prop 128, and Arizona’s Prop 314 that take a hard line on public safety.

Voters communicated that they want to shift back to policies that value law and order and reject policies prioritizing leniency over safety. In the future, lawmakers must listen to the concerns of their constituents and, regardless of ideology, implement policies overwhelmingly supported by voters.

For the last several years, reactionary policies have dominated criminal justice discussions. Supporters of these measures said they would promote equity and reduce incarceration rates. Yet, the results often painted a different picture. Cities like San Francisco and Chicago became symbols of rising retail theft, violent crime and a deteriorating sense of safety. Public frustration with these outcomes was palpable, and voters were straightforward about the change they wanted.

The success of California’s Prop 36 — increasing penalties for particular theft and drug crimes — underscores this demand. Even in a deeply liberal state, voters recognized that overly permissive policies had emboldened criminals.

Similarly, Colorado’s Prop 128 gives more resources to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Arizona’s Prop 314 implements stricter measures for parole eligibility and reflects a growing consensus: criminal accountability is non-negotiable.

While critics may see these measures as a return to outdated tough-on-crime policies, they do not have to abandon the GOP’s commitment to limited, effective government and fiscal conservatism.

In fact, Republicans — especially in statehouses — are positioned to demonstrate that effective criminal justice system changes need not sacrifice their core values.

One of the hallmarks of Republican governance is fiscal responsibility. Tough-on-crime policies often face criticism for being costly, particularly when they lead to swelling prison populations. However, a smart approach to criminal justice change aligns perfectly with conservative values. 

Colorado’s Prop 128 is an example of this principle in action. By channeling funds toward combating organized crime and the opioid epidemic, the state can address pressing issues without resorting to overly broad punitive measures.

As crime is dealt with more so at the state and local level, leaders can champion policies that target violent offenders and organized crime networks without endorsing policies that fill prisons unnecessarily. This approach is tough and smart, emphasizing accountability while addressing systemic inefficiencies. 

The recently passed Oklahoma Survivors Act is an excellent example. It will reduce sentences for people with domestic violence convictions that stemmed from their abuse.

At the heart of criminal justice initiatives is the need to support victims of crime. For too long, policies that prioritize the rights of offenders over victims have eroded public trust in the system. Republicans can correct this imbalance by ensuring victims have a voice in the justice process and expanding resources for crime prevention. Arizona’s Prop 314, which limits parole for certain offenses, aligns with this vision. By ensuring that dangerous offenders serve their sentences, the measure prioritizes victims’ safety. It sends a clear message that justice will be served.

In recent years, one of the toughest challenges has been declining public trust in the criminal justice system. Perceived leniency toward offenders, coupled with rising crime rates and the public’s perception of dangerousness, has left many Americans feeling unsafe and disillusioned. Republicans can restore faith in the system by enforcing laws consistently and transparently, reducing case backlogs and improving court efficiency, and focusing on data-driven policies that deliver real results instead of relying on ideological experiments.

The American criminal justice system is at an inflection point. The public is demanding policies that protect their communities, hold serious and violent offenders accountable, and restore balance to the system. Republicans can lead with policies that are smart on crime, are fiscally responsible, and are focused on victims and public safety.

(From a press release)

Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) is pleased to announce that several vital public safety and infrastructure projects in Delaware and Chester Counties were awarded funding through the Local Share Account (LSA) grant program. The grants, issued by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will support essential initiatives to improve public spaces, preserve historical landmarks and enhance environmental infrastructure in the region.

“These projects reflect a shared commitment to preserving our local heritage, protecting the environment and providing our communities with the infrastructure they need to thrive,” said Williams. “I’m proud to see state support in the preservation and utilization of open space in our community. And I am very grateful to see another investment in the safety infrastructure for Cheney University, and I will be fighting for more funding for upgrades to our local historic university.”

The projects awarded funding include:

Chadds Ford Township – Historic Preservation and Land Conservation

Chadds Ford Township was awarded $200,000 for the purchase and conservation of a 15+ acre parcel of land. The property includes the historic Joseph Davis House (c.1770) and a barn that once served as the art studio of renowned artist N.C. Wyeth. This property, which also holds significance as a priority I, Class A site in the Battle of Brandywine, will be preserved for public recreation and education, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical and natural resources. The land will be managed by the North American Land Trust to ensure public access and conservation.

Chester Heights Borough – Public Recreation Space Acquisition

Chester Heights Borough was awarded $260,000 to acquire 40 acres of undeveloped land for public recreation. As the borough’s population has grown by 385% since 1970, the park system has struggled to keep up. This new park will offer residents and neighboring communities trails through diverse landscapes of woods, meadows and streams, providing much-needed outdoor space for the growing population.

Concord Township – Central Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades

Concord Township will receive $300,000 for upgrades to the Central Sewage Treatment Plant. This project involves the addition of a protective cover on the post-aeration tank to prevent algae blooms, improve water quality and enhance the efficiency of the plant. These upgrades will help the township meet environmental regulations and reduce the need for frequent, costly tank cleaning, ultimately benefiting local residents and the environment.

Chester County – Heritage Tourism and Wayfinding Kiosks

Chester County was awarded $667,080 to develop and install 19 digital heritage tourism and wayfinding kiosks throughout the county. This project will expand on the existing three kiosks, creating a more cohesive experience for visitors and residents as they explore the region’s battlefields, heritage sites, and main streets, all of which played significant roles during the American Revolutionary War. The kiosks will offer virtual exploration, provide directions, and share other useful information, allowing for a more integrated and informative visitor experience. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of the kiosks, as well as professional services and administrative costs.

When the Jenkintown Borough Council floated the idea of getting out of the local police business and outsourcing it to nearby communities, residents angrily rejected it. So, instead of a local solution, the borough is turning to the state.

At its workshop meeting Wednesday night, the council voted to send a letter of intent to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) asking the state to study its emergency services, police, fire, and emergency management and make recommendations on how to reduce costs.

The council is expected to vote to approve the letter again at its action meeting on May 22.

In February, more than 200 residents turned out after Police Chief Thomas Scott suggested the borough outsource its police department to Abington or Cheltenham. Most of the residents were vociferously against the idea and yard signs supporting the Jenkintown Police have popped up around the small borough.

Paying for police costs the borough $2.5 million a year, about half its $5.1 million annual budget. Rising costs mean higher taxes, and borough officials are looking for another solution.

“We have to find a way to control these costs,” Borough Manager George Locke told DVJournal after the meeting. And unlike a private consultant, the state’s review of the borough’s books is free.

Still, not everyone is happy about turning to Harrisburg for help.

During public comment, a resident asked why the borough was asking for assistance from “a pro-regionalization” entity. She said she had obtained emails through a right-to-know request showing Abington officials were not interested in providing police services to Jenkintown.

“Why is this still even being discussed?” she asked.

Locke said later he did not know what she was talking about since they had “never negotiated with any other municipality.”

Scott said the division of the DCED they are petitioning for help, the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, will provide experts from various areas of public safety, finance, and legal issues. They will analyze the borough’s current situation and make recommendations.

“They will present a plan and help present it to the public,” said Scott.

In a follow-up email to DVJournal, Locke said the top priority is addressing the expense of providing police services. “What we are requesting is the police cost-benefit analysis and police management assistance. The other opportunities named [in the request] are areas that the borough and state are dealing with long term: planning of operations, and funding for all other public safety that is provided by the borough such as EMS, fire departments and emergency management.”

“The borough just having enacted a tax millage for an agreement with the Second Alarmers EMS services, has provided a solution to a difficult issue providing that service and how to fund that long term or if that is the best solution will have to be examined,” Locke added.

Council began the Fund 10 Ambulance Fund in 2023, with millage set at .050 mills, which, in the 2024 budget, equates to $13,451, said Locke.

“The fire companies have just completed a merger and the borough is overcoming a $1.2 million purchase of a fire truck while performing research and planning for the purchase of what is currently proposed to be up to two more fire trucks and a service vehicle for the fire department over the next few years. Emergency Management had been next to non-existent other than by name prior to COVID and Chief Scott coming onboard [in 2022], so a lot of work is being done there.”

The borough is required by law to provide public safety services, Locke said.

“As we work to put together a sustainable long-term capital plan, we feel fortunate to be afforded these services through the DCED, especially at no cost, and we hope to utilize the assistance offered to increase our chances of having a successful plan for the borough.”

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Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker got it right when she chose Philadelphia Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel as the new police commissioner.

Parker has been a frequent guest on my show over the past 18 months or so, and several times, she told me she wanted someone as commissioner who could find “Broad and Spring Garden without using a GPS.” She wanted someone who knew the DNA of Philadelphia and the police department. She also wanted a data-driven person to proactively prevent crime.

Former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said that when he, former Mayor Michael Nutter, and former Police Commissioner Ramsey worked together to make Philadelphia a safe city, Bethel was the point person. Bethel suggested and executed strategies to fit their master plan. Williams commended Bethel’s emotional intelligence and agreed with me about how Bethel would engage with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who we both view as a major obstacle to Philadelphia’s safety.

I think Bethel gave us a clue to his plan in his opening news conference. He diplomatically said he looked forward to working with Krasner but then pivoted to saying that he would enforce all laws and consistently present the public with the records of arrests and police operations.

That tells me that Bethel, unlike former Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, will enforce and document police actions on things like shoplifting. Krasner famously issued a directive to his staff not to prosecute shoplifting crimes that were under $499.

As a result. police looked the other way for most shoplifting, and shop owners felt they just had to endure these crimes–or close up shop and leave Philadelphia.

Parker said she would challenge this $499 rule in her victory speech.

I was heartened by Bethel’s comments on the role of police.

“I can sit here and tell you, I ain’t gonna lock up a 10-year-old child for coming to school with a pair of scissors,” Bethel said. “But I also could tell you that I’m gonna lock up somebody who comes in a store and robs somebody with a gun. I am gonna talk about locking up somebody who sits there and kills people in our streets. We are gonna talk about that. I’m gonna talk about my mother-in-law, who’s scared to come out of her door. My mother-in -law has been in her home for 50 years, but scared to come out of her door. Why can she not sit on her step? So, we have a job to do as part of policing. Our job is to enforce the law.”

Bethel also has a record of treating police officers fairly while holding them accountable. My police sources vouch for him in this area.

So, Danielle Outlaw is gone, and Mayor Jim Kenney is down to around his last 30 days. I expect very good things from Parker and Bethel. I also don’t expect Krasner to change. I do think Bethel will challenge Krasner’s position regarding leniency for felons carrying firearms. Bethel will prove that the police are enforcing shoplifting laws and Krasner is not. I also hope Parker and Bethel can make the case in minority communities that Krasner is an impediment to safety.

And, arguments are being made this week before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to certify Krasner’s impeachment, which could lead to his possible removal with a trial in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Looking in my crystal ball, I see improvements in Philadelphia with a big battle ahead.