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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

14

  • Download the Construction Permit Application, then send the completed application, plans, and all related information to the Building and Housing Department via email. Payment for permits is due at issuance.

    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • Online payments are not available.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • General contractors register with the PA State Attorney General’s Office and then write the PA contractor number on the building permit.

    Electrical contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Electrical International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

    Plumbing contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Plumbing International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

    HVAC contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master HVAC International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

    Once the above requirements are met, permits can be submitted.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • Rental inspections must be conducted once a year.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • View the approved student housing list (PDF), updated November 12, 2013.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • Work can be performed between the hours of 7 a.m to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays and/or holidays.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • No certificate is required.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • For plumbing inspections, please call the Building & Housing Dept at 610-696-1773. For HVAC inspections, please call Paul Bonnes at 484-880-7342 ext. 110.

    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • View the 2020 list of approved electrical underwriters (PDF).

    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • Within 24 hours after the end of snowfall; all snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalk. No one is permitted to put snow in the streets while clearing their property.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • Yes, sidewalk permits can be obtained from the Public Works Department (205 Lacey Street). Public Works has copies of the sidewalk specifications / requirements. Please note, asphalt is not an approved material.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • No advertisements or flyers are permitted to be posted in the borough.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • No building permit is required for the installation of a pre-fabricated shed. However, zoning approval is necessary. To obtain zoning approval, a detailed plot plan must be submitted, drawn to scale showing the square foot measurements, as well as the percentages of the following 3 types of coverage:

    • Building coverage
    • Green space
    • Impervious coverage

    Please contact Building and Housing to properly identify which zoning district and block class the property lies and then refer to Chapter 112 of the borough’s Code of Ordinance, our Zoning Chapter, and locate the allowable coverage percentages under “Area and Bulk Regulations” for your district and block class. Submit the detailed plot plan to the Building and Housing office for review by the Zoning officer.


    Access the following plot plan resources for more information:

    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

  • You can find the zoning code @ http://ecode360.com/6471979.
    Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

Police Department

9

  • You can call the Police Department at 610-696-2700 and request an officer, or you can respond to the Police Station at 401 East Gay Street. We have a full time dispatch center.
    Police Department

  • On the back of the citation you received there are instructions on how to handle your citation.
    Police Department

  • Contact the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700 and ask to speak with the officer who handled the incident involving your property.
    Police Department

  • You can contact the Records Division at 610-436-1320. The Records Office is on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building.
    Police Department

  • Contact the West Chester Police Administration at 610-436-1323. Police Administration is located on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building.
    Police Department

  • Contact the officer handling your case at 610-696-2700.
    Police Department

  • The district information is on the top of the citation that was issued.
    Police Department

  • We can fingerprint residents of the Borough of West Chester and East Bradford Township at the station. You will need proof of residency and a fingerprint card.
    Police Department

  • No. You must come into the Police Station in person with the proper I.D. and speak to an officer to file a Police Report. However, we are a 24/7 Police Station so we are readily available to service the community.
    Police Department

Dispatch / 911

5

  • The following are examples of when to call 911:
    • When someone's life may be in immediate danger
    • When someone's property may be in immediate danger
    • When you see a crime being committed
    • When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed
    When you are not sure, call and let us decide.
    Dispatch / 911

  • Are you in West Chester Borough or East Bradford Township?

    Unless you need an immediate response to a fire or a medical or police emergency, call the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700.

    For any other location in Chester County you should call 610-692-5100. Using the non-emergency number keeps 911 available for true emergencies.

    Some examples of times in which you should call a non-emergency number are:
    • Your house or car was broken into yesterday or at unknown time
    • Your runaway or missing child has returned home
    • You need to add additional information to a previously reported incident
    • Someone stole your bicycle while you were away
    • There is a illegally parked or abandoned vehicle on your street
    Dispatch / 911

  • All callers are asked a standard set of questions which will help the dispatcher prioritize your call, and will provide the responding personnel with information before their arrival. The following are just some of the questions we may ask you:
    • Where are you and where did the incident happen?
    • What is the nature of the problem?
    • When did this occur?
    • What is the description of the person or persons involved?
    • What is the description of the vehicle involved (if there was one)?
    Please take note that, when giving information, it is strongly advised that you do not exaggerate or "fill in the blanks". It is very important that quick, simple facts be provided so that the information can be provided to the responding services without delay.
    Dispatch / 911

  • First and foremost, do not hang up! Before you hang up the phone, be sure to tell the dispatcher that you have dialed 911 by mistake and that you do not need emergency help. This is very important because a police officer will be sent to your location if you simply hang up.
    Dispatch / 911

  • Our police dispatch center is in operation 24/hours a day, 7 days a week. The main lobby door on the first floor is always open and you can contact our dispatch at any time as well as by phone at 610-696-2700.
    Dispatch / 911

Parks & Recreation Department

10

  • Check out our Applications and Forms section for the Special Event Application. If you have any questions or concerns please call 610-436-9010.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • Hoopes Park: 700 Hoopes Park Lane

    Veterans Memorial Park: 315 Veit Alley

    John O Green Park: S. Matlack & E. Miner Street

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • Please call 610-436-9010 if you have any questions or concerns.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • The Halloween Parade is cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • Contact the director by email or call the office at 610-436-9010.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • You may call the Parks and Recreation Department at 610-436-9010 to request a financial aid packet to be mailed to you or you may pick up a copy at: Borough Hall 410 E. Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380
    Parks & Recreation Department

  • Yes, we accept credit/debit, cash, check, or money order. We only accept payments in house, online registration is not available until March 2020.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • No, the department must have a copy of your registration form and payment to reserve your spot.
    All of our registration forms are online under Applications and Forms.

    Parks & Recreation Department

  • Yes, the department sponsors various bus trips throughout the year. Visit the bus trips page for more information about upcoming trips.
    Parks & Recreation Department

  • The Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the Christmas Parade.
    Parks & Recreation Department

Sewer

6

  • There is a minimum monthly charge for sewer even if there is no water usage. If there is an active water account for the property, there is a monthly sewer fee. The fee is currently $30.11.

    Sewer

  • Monthly sewer charges are based on your actual water usage. Please keep in mind any water used for gardens, lawns, car washing or pools will be billed to your sewer account.
    Sewer

  • If there is an inaccuracy between your Aqua and Borough of West Chester Sewer accounts, you as the property owner are responsible for all sewer charges once all corrections are complete. Please note that even the smallest leak such as a dripping faucet or running toilet can result in an abnormally high water and sewer bill.
    Sewer

  • Please contact the Treasurer's Office at 610-436-1357 or by email. The sewer bill is generated monthly in accordance with the water meter reading.

    Sewer

  • As of January 1, 2021, the charge is $30.11 for the first 2,000 or less gallons of water used. If over 2,000 gallons of water are used, it is an additional $7.99 per 1,000 gallons or any part thereof.

    Sewer

  • You may pay your sewer bill through the Treasurer's Office (no cash accepted) at:
    401 E. Gay St.
    West Chester, PA 19380

    Payment of Cash in Person:  You may pay cash in person at the following local Western Union locations or call 877-987-2782 for other locations:

    Giant Food Store 
    698 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

    ShopRite
    1115 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

    Giant Food Store 
    1375 East Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380

    Sewer

Public Works

17

  • Dumpster permits can be obtained at the Public Works Department. A fee of $45 per week applies. In addition to this, a fee of $21 per space, per day will apply for all metered spaces taken up by the dumpster.

    Public Works

  • In order to close a road in the Borough the contractor must:

    1)    Contact Public Works with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. If working on a Monday, you must notify PW no later than 3PM on the preceding Thursday.

    2)    Contractor must notify the Parking Department 48 hours in advance for their No Parking Postings. Construction requests for large areas (more than 2 blocks) require 72 hours. If working on a Monday, you must notify Parking no later than 3PM on the preceding Thursday.

    3)    You must notify PW if emergency vehicles will have access

    4)    You must notify PW if it is a partial or full closure

    5)    Contractor is responsible for placing road closure signs out and responsible for flaggers if required

    6)    No closures can be requested the day of work unless a 100% true emergency

    7)    A copy of the approved and paid PW Highway Occupancy Permit must be on the job site.

    8)    Road Closures are permitted from 9AM – 3PM

    9)    If a state road, PADOT approval is required

    ** Please note, failure to comply with this policy will result in a shut-down of the jobsite.

    *** Please contact Public Works at 610-696-5282 for a permit and the procedures.  

    Public Works

  • Trash and recycling are collected on the same day. The collection routes are as follows:
  • Northwest Quadrant: Monday
  • Northeast Quadrant: Tuesday
  • Southeast Quadrant: Wednesday
  • Southwest Quadrant: Thursday
Public Works

  • Refer to the recycling page for specifics on accepted items for recycling.
    Public Works

  • Each property in the borough may place out 2, 35-gallon trash cans per week. In addition to these 2 cans, each property may place out no more than 4 of the Borough disposal bags.
    Public Works

  • Please view the solid waste page for a list of locations.
    Public Works

  • Bulk trash week occurs during the week containing the 1st Monday of the month. Please refer to the Bulk Trash page under the Public Works Department for specific dates each month.  Each property may place out 1 large item at this time. Tires, television, computers, or appliances containing Freon are not accepted as bulk trash.

    Public Works

  • Yard waste will be collected in tied bundles no longer than 4-foot length or in biodegradable bags. Yard waste placed out in trash cans or that is not tied into bundles will not be collected.

    Public Works

  • Electronics, appliances containing FREON, Fluorescent bulbs & CFL bulbs may be taken to the Public Works Department for a fee. The Public Works Department is located at: 205 Lacey St. West Chester, PA 19382

    Hazardous waste can be taken to the Chester County Household Hazardous Waste events throughout the year. Please visit their website for more information about upcoming events.

    Public Works

  • View the tree page in the Public Works Department to apply.
    Public Works

  • Generally areas north of Market Street are swept on Mondays and Tuesdays while areas south of Market Street are swept on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The central business district being swept nightly.
    Parking is normally restricted in these areas from 2 - 5 a.m. and from 8 - 11 a.m. Check the restricted parking signage on your block and please be sure to have your vehicle moved during these times.
    Public Works

  • A Snow Emergency is declared when a snow accumulation of 6 inches or more is expected or when hazardous conditions exist, such as an ice storm.  During a Snow Emergency, cars on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to other parking locations for the duration of the Snow Emergency.

    Public Works

  • Parking charges are waived at all surface parking lots and borough parking garages (Chestnut Street and Bicentennial) during the snow emergency.

    Public Works

  • You can pay your Aqua-PA bill by mail or in person at: East Goshen United Check Cashing 1159 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382
    You may pay your sewer bill through the Treasurer's Office at: 401 E. Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380
    Public Works

  • Municipal solid waste is collected by employees of the Borough of West Chester Department of Public Works. Municipal waste is collected one day per week in each of the four Borough quadrants. For more information http://west-chester.com/164/Solid-Waste
    Public Works

  • Recycling in West Chester follows the same schedule as trash collection. The Borough's recycling program is a single-stream, curbside collection program. For more information http://west-chester.com/160/Recycling
    Public Works

    • Administration

    18

    • You can contact Chester County at 610-344-6000 or visit their online resource.
      Administration

    • Contact Chester County at 610-344-6000 or visit their online resource.
      Administration

    • Access our government forms resource or send an email request describing what you need.
      Administration

    • You can call 610-696-5282 or visit the Public Works online resource.
      Administration

    • You can call 610-696-1773 or visit the Building and Housing online resource.
      Administration

    • Contact the department by phone at 610-436-9010 or visit the Recreation Department online.
      Administration

    • Call 610-696-4521 to speak with someone from Parking Services, or visit their online resource for more information.
      Administration

    • Contact the Police Department for non-emergencies at 610-696-2700. For emergencies, dial 911.
      Administration

    • Access our online voting ward resource where you can view a voting wards map for West Chester.
      Administration

    • The borough Administration Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

      Administration

    • The Public Library is located at:
      415 N. Church St.
      West Chester, PA 19380

      Access the West Chester Public Library website for more information.
      Administration

    • The borough uses a service for announcements and you can sign up here.
      Administration

    • Bills can be paid by either cash or check.
      Administration

    • There is a municipal parking lot available for borough-related business in the back of our building located at 401 East Gay Street.
      Administration

    • You may place payments in the drop box located in our parking lot. It is locked and checked every business morning.
      Administration

    • No, we are the borough. The Chester County Courthouse is located at 201 West Market Street and can be reached at 610-344-6000.
      Administration

    • Yes and the access code is posted in all of the public meeting areas.
      Administration

    • o You can drop your check and voucher at the Borough building (Finance window or box in parking lot), and they will mail it to Aqua every Friday (as a courtesy). o You can pay in cash at Giant Food Store (698 Downingtown Pike or 1375 East Boot Road) and ShopRite (1115 West Chester Pike). o Both e-billing and zip-check are available. Go to www.aquaamerica.com.
      Administration

    Trees

    1

    • Please go to www.west-chester.com/193/trees.
      Trees

    General Questions

    6

    • 201 W Market St West Chester Pa 19382
      General Questions

    • Keystone Collections 724-987-0300
      General Questions

    • No. But, Berkheimer does collect business privilege taxes. They can be reached at 610 599-3140
      General Questions

    • The first floor of the municipal building, located at 401 East Gay Street.
      General Questions

    • First Floor of the municipal building at Police Dispatch.
      General Questions

    • You can print a Request for Information form here.

      General Questions

    Stream Protection

    1

    • The Stream Protection Fee (SPF) Program was established by Borough Council via ordinance in June 2016 to provide a dedicated funding source for stream restoration and stormwater mitigation initiatives. This include repairs to stormwater infrastructure such as pipes, inlets, and outfalls which collectively comprise the Borough’s MS4 or municipal separate storm sewer system; restoration of Borough streams and tributaries that convey stormwater from the MS4 into area waterways; and maintenance activities such as street sweeping and inlet cleaning, which are crucial in keeping the stormwater system functioning properly; as well as requisite outflow testing, reporting, and stormwater pollution-mitigation strategies required by state and federal regulations. 

      Click here for more information about the Stream Protection Fee.

      Stream Protection

    Parking Services

    15

    • Log onto www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments, Permits and then click on Permit Application on the next page. Select the permit you need and simply fill out the Residential Permit application. Note: Permits goes on the 1st business day every August, but not valid until the 1st of September.
      Parking Services

    • There are three options; 1.Citations can pay in person at the parking services office which is located on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building. ( 401 East Gay street ) 2. Citation payment can also be done online www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments and Permit. 3.Citation payment can also be drop of at the Silver Drop Box which is located at the Borough Municipal Building surface parking lot and at the Red Drop Box in the municipal building which is located next to the West-Chester Police dispatch window. Note: Citations can be pay by using a Debit, Master, Visa, Discover Card. (We do accept American Express) Checks are accepted. Once a citation is paid, it’s final, no refunds.
      Parking Services

    • If you believe you have paid a citation that you are being billed for you must contact the Parking Services at 610-696-4521. The customer Service representative will request that you submit proof of payment, a receipt or if payment was made by check, a copy of the front and back of the cancelled check.
      Parking Services

    • 1. Citation can be contest online at www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments and Permit. 2. Citations have to be contested within 14 days the citation was issued.
      Parking Services

    • If you are dissatisfied the outcome don’t pay the citation and wait until you receive a summons from the Magisterial District Court d and appeal your ticket before the magisterial district judge.
      Parking Services

    • 1. Parking meters are enforced Monday Thru Wednesday from 8am till 10pm. Thursday and Friday from 8am till 12am and Saturday 5pm and 12am 2. Parking meters are not enforced on the following legal holidays. (New Year’s, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) Notes: Meters are enforced on Veterans Day, Columbus Day and General Election day.
      Parking Services

    • It shall be unlawful and a violation of the provisions of this article for any person to permit a vehicle to remain or be placed in any parking space adjacent to any parking meter while such meter is displaying a signal indicating that the time paid for has expired. Such vehicle shall be considered as parking overtime, and the parking of a vehicle overtime shall be a violation of this article.
      Parking Services

    • The Borough of West-Chester has numerous traffic and parking rules and regulations that are described in Chapter 104 of the Borough of West-Chester (Ordinances) A great many of ordinances are considered to be common sense or courtesy. These are things that are ticketed offenses, even if there is no reminder present, such as a sign. Note: The following is a list of the most common infraction issued throughout the Borough of West-Chester. 1. Too close to stop sign 2. Parked in an intersection 3. Parked in a crosswalk 4. 12” away from the curb 5. Blocking Driveway 6. Obstructing traffic 7. Parking on a sidewalk 8. Blocking Street or Alley 9. Parking in A handicap space without a permit 10. Not moving your vehicle on Street Sweeping Day where is posted 11. Parked at an expired or overtime meter 12. Parked out of meter space 13. Double parked 14. Parked School Zone or Bus Stand 15. Private property 16. Parked within 15’ of a Fire Hydrant 17. Parked against the flow of traffic 18. No Parking Permit Residential, student or leased lots 19. Posted no Parking Zone 20. No stop or Standing 21. Maximum Time Limit 22. No Parking Fire Zone 23. Posted Temporary No Parking
      Parking Services

    • Yes, Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense and the owner and/or violator will be ticketed.
      Parking Services

    • The beginning and the end of each block is marked (Signage) to help driver know that the entire block is enforced.
      Parking Services

    • Flashers are an obvious indication that a vehicle’s operator knows not to park in a particular spot. Remember that in the 2-4 minute window your vehicle is parked there, a fire truck, ambulance, or other lifesaving emergency vehicle might be unable to access the street due to your vehicle causing an obstruction.
      Parking Services

    • Drivers must obey all parking rules and regulations. We must park our vehicle consistent with flow of traffic.
      Parking Services

    • Yellow curbs are designed to create a safe distance from the intersection so vehicles can turn safely and without view obstructions created by vehicles parked on a yellow curb. There is no allowance for how much of the car is in the yellow before it’s ticketed. Any portion of the car in the yellow Is considered in violation.

      Parking Services

    • The Borough parking services implemented a license Plate Recognition System (LPR) which does not require vehicles to be chalked.
      Parking Services

    • Defective or nonfunctioning meters can be reported to the Borough of West-Chester Parking Services 1-610-696-4521 or www.west-chester.com.
      Parking Services

    Snow Emergencies

    7

    • A snow emergency is a declaration by the Mayor in concert with the Borough's Police and Public Works Departments and is supported by Section 104-79 of the Borough Code of Ordinances.

      Snow Emergencies

    • Snow Emergencies are declared when winter snow and ice conditions are severe enough to mandate that vehicles should not be parked on public streets. Occasionally, when the prediction is certain enough, the Borough will declare the snow emergency in advance.

      Snow Emergencies

    • Snow emergencies are declared due to substantial accumulation and/or icy conditions. The purpose of the snow emergency is to promote an environment where Borough snow removal crews can better remove snow and ice between the curbs and public streets (curb to curb). This opens the roads to better accommodate future on street parking as well as to facilitate proper access for emergency vehicles including ambulance and fire response vehicles, mail delivery, and trash pick-up.

      Snow Emergencies

    • Snow emergencies are normally announced by the Borough via ReadyChesco and our Notify Me service. Snow emergencies will also be announced on this website.

      Snow Emergencies

    • Under the code the declaration remains in effect for a period not to exceed 72 hours after cessation of the snowstorm event. Failure to comply with the Borough's declaration of the snow emergency does carry a fine. Also be advised that if necessary, the Borough will tow your car and assess all costs to the owner of the vehicle.

      Snow Emergencies

    • All borough parking garages are available for the duration of the snow emergency. 

      These free for use parking garages include the Chestnut Street Garage, Bicentennial Garage on High Street, New Street Garage, Sharpless Street Garage & Matlack Street Garage as well as Chester County's Justice Center Garage.  

      Snow Emergencies

    • You can view a image of the Snow Emergency Routes here.

      Snow Emergencies

    Police Department - Policing Policies

    9

    • West Chester Police officers complete initial training that includes de-escalation, mental health de-escalation, and unbiased policing while attending the police academy. De-escalation training teaches officers to attempt to resolve situations using verbal skills rather than force. If force is necessary, officers are taught to resort to the least amount of force necessary in order to gain control or stop an action. West Chester Police are in the process of receiving refresher training in these topics, along with legal training on the Fourth Amendment and the most up-to-date related caselaw.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • The use of a chokehold, whether applied by the hands, other body part, or a weapon, is prohibited by longstanding West Chester Police Department policy unless deadly force is warranted to protect life.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • West Chester Police Department policy provides that any officer who observes another officer using force clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall intercede, when feasible, to prevent the use of such excessive force, so long as doing so does not pose a safety risk. Officers shall immediately report these observations to a supervisor and document the observations prior to the end of shift. A violation of policy, including failure to intervene, will be investigated and an officer will be disciplined or fired if policy is violated.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • Officers are trained that giving verbal warnings or commands are always an officer’s first option before drawing a weapon or using force. However, every incident is handled on a case-by-case basis based on the facts known to the officer in that incident. The officer must balance the ability and time necessary to provide a warning with the imminent danger and risk of serious physical injury or death faced by both the officer and the involved citizens. As the United States Supreme Court has stated, “police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments — in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving — about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.” (Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 397 (1989)).

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • Police officers understand they have been entrusted with the authority to lawfully use force to protect life and property and to apprehend criminal offenders. Therefore, the Department properly documents and reviews each use of force to maintain public confidence and trust. Police officers are required to report any physical contact likely to cause pain or injury and each time they draw and point a weapon at a citizen.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • Police officers receive training in CPR, use of an AED and medical training in the police academy. They receive refresher training in these areas every other year per the regulations of

      the Pennsylvania Council on Police Training. Officers are responsible for providing and obtaining medical aid for individuals who complain of, or show signs of injury, as a result of any

      use of force by an officer. Officers will transport the individual to a medical treatment facility or request an ambulance and begin medical evaluation and care of such individuals as soon as practical.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • The West Chester Police Department employs a computer system that documents all uses of force, along with citizen complaints, motor vehicle collisions and vehicle pursuits. The system is monitored by police staff when an officer is involved in these types of incidents. Additionally, every use of force is reviewed immediately by a direct supervisor and then again quarterly by an internal committee to ensure compliance with policy. Any use of force outside of policy is sent to the Department’s Professional Standards Office for investigation.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • The West Chester Police Department received Commonwealth of Pennsylvania funding to implement a body worn camera (BWC) program in late 2019. The delivery and use of BWCs

      began in January of 2020 for the Department.


      The West Chester Police Department requires that all field operations personnel wear a BWC. Spare BWCs are available for other officers to utilize when required by policy. Officers are

      required to record situations where they encounter the public and an arrest, detention, or use of force is likely.


      The BWC policy was developed in accordance with the best practices determined by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice Body Worn Camera Tool Kit, and other

      national and state resources.

      Police Department - Policing Policies

    • Throughout the year, the West Chester Police Department plans and hosts various community activities and programs to engage with the community. These events include our festivals and National Night Out Against Crime. We are currently in the process of growing our community outreach programs and our community policing initiatives. It is important that members of the community stay connected by attending meetings, viewing updates on our websites (both our Departmental website and press release website) and following us on our social media platforms.


      I and Mayor Dianne Herrin have an open-door policy and we invite all members of the community to reach out to us.

      Police Department - Policing Policies
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