The Richland Township Police Department is comprised of 19 full time and 6 part-time officers along with 1 civilian records clerk. The department provides 24 hour service to the Richland area covering 20.8 square miles. The department is comprised of 3 divisions, Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Special Operations. The Patrol Unit is comprised of officers who respond on calls for service, condu
ct accident investigations, and investigate initial criminal offenses. Criminal Investigations is made up of 3 full time detectives who investigate crimes that occur within the boundaries of Richland Township. These officers are also involved in the Cambria County Drug Task Force as well as the Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Federal Task Force created to combat drugs and violence. Special Operations is made up of officers assigned with in the department to the regional S.E.R.T. All officers are certified by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission and have received extensive In-Service training by the department, State and Federal Agencies. The Richland Township Police Department maintained a Central Communications Center for 18 years serving 23 municipalities providing service to the police, fire, ambulance, and three hospitals including a life support helicopter. During this time Richland became the center for training of local officers, and developed a strong working relationship with all law enforcement agencies within a three county area. Our dispatching center closed in 1992 when 9-1-1 was implemented. A good working relationship still exists with the police departments in our area as to the training and sharing of services and intelligence information. All departments in both counties have mutual aid agreements with the Richland Township Police department, which causes them to work closely in all matters. In 2001 the Richland Township Police Department entered into a cooperative agreement with the Johnstown Police Department for the formation of a multi-jurisdictional Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.). The function of this team is to provide assistance in hostage, weapon or shooting calls and high risk warrants. These officers are highly trained and must meet stringent physical and weapons standards. Currently 9 officers from the Richland Police Dept are assigned to the team. In 2005 a motorcycle unit was added to the Patrol Division to increase visibility and assist in public relations throughout the township. They have been used in several vital functions since its inception.
2006 saw the return to our department of a police K-9 after a 20 year absence. The addition of Nero has greatly enhanced the patrol and special operations division with in the department. Nero and his handler went through an extensive 6 week training program in the detection of explosive material and patrol capabilities.
