DO NOT use this page to report emergencies; it is NOT monitored 24-7. If you have an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call STPD at 717-564-2550.
The Swatara Township Police Department is committed to serving the community while protecting the rights of all persons. Consistent with this commitment, the Department’s Vision, Mission and Core Values, in concert with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the Department’s Management Principles, reflect the guiding philosophy of the Swatara Township Police Department.
It is the vision of the Swatara Township Police Department to, as closely as possible; achieve a Township free from crime and public disorder.
The Swatara Township Police Department provides protection to an area of about 14.6 square miles between Harrisburg and Hershey, Pennsylvania. Approximately 24,000 people call Swatara Township home.
The Office of the Chief of Police is comprised of the Chief and his administrative assistant.
At full complement, the Department has 45 full time police officers. The Patrol Services Division is commanded by a Lieutenant and is comprised of four Patrol Platoons, and the Community Services Division. Each of the Patrol Platoons has a Sergeant and/or Corporal and several Patrol Officers.
The Field Services Division is commanded by a Lieutenant and is comprised of the Criminal Investigation Section and the Records/Clerical Section. The Criminal Investigation section has 6 detectives including a Juvenile Aid Officer, a Drug Task Force Investigator, and an Evidence Technician/Evidence Property Room Manager. The Records/Clerical section is comprised of a full-time Police Secretary and a part-time Police Receptionist.
The mission for every member of the Swatara Township Police Department is to affirmatively promote, within available resources and engaging in lawful police functions, a feeling of security and safety for every member of our community. The department endeavors to reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through prevention strategies and the identification, apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.
This mission requires positive effort based on self-initiative
The goal is for every member in every contact to seek ways to achieve this mission
This mission is a commitment to quality performance from all members. It is critical that all members understand, accept and be aligned with the responsibilities established by this mission. It provides the foundation upon which all decisions and organizational directives will be based. Directives include rules, regulations, operating policies, procedures, customs and practices.
This mission represents the commitment of this administration to the concepts of quality performance management. In other words, members are expected to work consistently in a quality manner in the daily performance of those duties, job responsibilities and work tasks associated with this mission. Quality manner means that performance outcomes comply with the performance standards established for the Swatara Township Police Department and for each associated member. Examples of performance standards include the oath of office, code of ethics rules, policies, procedures, directives, general and supervisory orders, work productivity and behavior.
Members are required to accept the responsibility for the achievement of this mission and publicly register their commitment to it and to the concept of quality service.
