ACCREDITATION
On July 12, 2008, the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association approved the York Area Regional Police Department as an accredited agency. This puts the department among an elite group of less than 60 law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania that have achieved this status. The process included a self-assessment phase, a mock assessment phase and a final assessment by three outside assessors who conducted a two day review of the department operations, facilities, and procedures. Over 100 standards must be shown to be in compliance in order to receive a positive recommendation by the assessors. Many members of the department assisted and supported this effort and the entire community will benefit from the implementation and adherence to standards that have been met by the department. Sergeant Rodney Varner has served as the department accreditation manager and he was assisted by Corporal Ken Schollenberger and both of them put in a great deal of work to attain this coveted recognition.
NEWS
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Equipment Donations to the York Area Regional Police Dept.
DATE : Saturday, November 1, 2008
LOCATION: Majik Rent To Own, Queensgate Shopping Center
Majik Rent To Own ( Queensgate Shopping Center) and Rivers Truck Center (2975 Cape Horn Rd., Red Lion) will make donations to the York Area Regional Police Department. Majik Rent To Own will be donating $3,000.00 which will be used to purchase a laptop computer and Rivers Truck Center’s donation will be used to purchase a portable printer. This equipment will be used to enhance the efforts of the York Area Regional Police Department to perform truck/commercial vehicle inspections and enforcement, commonly known as MCSAP (Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program).
York Area Regional officers assigned to perform these inspections receive special training and conduct approximately 120 commercial vehicle inspections each year. The majority of these inspections involve vehicles transporting waste material to a local landfill. Upon finding major safety violations, the officer performing the inspection will place the truck “Out Of Service”. Approximately 50% of all vehicles inspected locally are placed “Out Of Service” while the national average is 23%.
The reports from these commercial vehicle inspections are completed and mailed to the Pennsylvania State Police, then forwarded to the federal government. Several months may elapse before the federal government is able to address violations or other problems with the company owning the commercial vehicles.
With the donations of Majik Rent To Own and Rivers Truck Center to purchase this computer equipment, the York Area Regional Police Department will be able to complete the required reports at the inspection site, forward them electronically to the Pennsylvania State Police and the federal government, and supply report copies immediately after the vehicle inspection is completed. The computer will also permit the inspecting officer to access to the database of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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STRUCTURE FIRE/FIRE INVESTIGATION
DATE: August 4, 2008
LOCATION: 146 West Crestyln Dr., York Township
On Friday, August 1, 2008 at 2211 hours, the Goodwill Fire Department in York Township and several other area fire departments along with the York Area Regional Police Department were dispatched to 146 West Crestlyn Drive within York Township for a structure fire. A cause and origin fire investigation was conducted after the fire had been extinguished.
A join investigation with the York Area Regional Police Department and the PSP Fire Marshal's Office was conducted on this date. The investigation revealed that a deck on the rear of the residence had been refinished and the towels/rags from the project were placed on the floor in the garage next to a 2004 BMW, 745 Series. The towels/rags ignited after a heating process (spontaneous combustion). The fire then spread into the rest of the residence and destroyed it and the vehicle. The total estimated damage caused by the fire is approximately $1,000,000.00.
An accelerant detection K9 "Ocala" was also utilized at the scene to assist with the investigation. The investigation was concluded.
The fire was "accidental" in nature. Cause: Spontaneous Combustion.
Investigator: Det. Donald E. Hopple, Jr., York Area Regional Police, Trooper Pat McKenna, PSP Fire Marshal, Det. Dennis Woodring, Dauphin County District Attorney's Office (and K9 Ocala).
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ATTEMPT TO TAKE PERSON INTO POLICE CUSTODY
DATE: July 17, 2008,
Description: White male, 40 to 50 years of age, 5 ft. 7 inches tall, 145 lbs. wearing gray pants, black t-shirt with a moustache and shaggy hair.
Officers attempted to take this male into custody for two outstanding warrants (bench warrant and a warrant for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer) in the area of Windsor Commons at approximately 1230 hours. The male fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. A helicopter responded to assist in the search for the male, which is taking place along Cape Horn Rd. near Lombard Road, Windsor Township. Residents are asked to contact 911 if they see the person and use caution.
UPDATE: At approximately 1445 hours on July 17, 2008 the search for the above male, identified as David Stauffer, 44 years of age, no fixed address, was discontinued. Officers from York Area Regional Police Department, Lower Windsor Township Police Department, Springettsbury Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police, including the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation section participated in searching the above area but could not locate Stauffer. He was last seen running into a wooded area at the rear of Kirkland Drive in Windsor Township.
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ROBBERY
DATE: July 6, 2008,
Location: Rutters Farm Store, 2509 S. George St., York PA
Persons Involved: Unknown male suspect
On July 6, 2008 at approximately 1430 hours, a white male described as 5 years old, 5'10", 220 lbs. gray hair in ponytail, wearing a tan hat, sunglasses and a pullover gray sweatshirt entered the Rutter's Store located at 2509 S. George St. The suspect claimed to have a weapon and demanded money. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area in a mid 90's green Ford Explorer. No one was injured in the robbery. Police searched the area following several leads in the case. Anyone with information about the robbery should contact the York Area Regional Police. Investigating Officer Scott Longnecker.
UPDATE 1430 hours: Anthony S. Frock, age 47, Baer Avenue, Hanover PA, was charged with robbery, simple assault, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, and receiving stolen property.