|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEPARTMENTS |
|
|
| Police |
235 East Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401-5048
|
610-270-0977 Emergency 911
|
(Located in the rear of the Norristown town hall.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE MISSION OF THE NORRISTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT IS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY; TO UNDERSTAND AND SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE BOROUGH’S NEIGHBORHOODS; AND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE BY MAINTAINING ORDER, RECOGNIZING AND RESOLVING COMMUNITY PROBLEMS, AND APPREHENDING CRIMINALS.
THE NORRISTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO DOING THE RIGHT THINGS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. OUR CUSTOMER, THE PUBLIC WE SERVE, WILL ALWAYS BE TREATED ETHICALLY. EQUAL RIGHTS ARE ASSURED FOR EVERYONE WE COME INTO CONTACT WITH – FOR ANY REASON. WE TAKE PRIDE IN WORKING COLLECTIVELY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF CITIZENS. THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONSTANTLY SEEK INNOVATIVE METHODS TO REACH OUT AND BECOME A PART OF THE COMMUNITY, RATHER THAN BEING APART FROM IT. POLICE OFFICERS WILL AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE THE AWARENESS OF THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS, AND THE PERCEPTION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HELD BY CITIZENS.
The Norristown Police Department is currently staffed by 58 sworn police officers. In 2004, the Norristown Police Department was dispatched on 60,538 calls for service. This equates to a simple average of 165.8 calls for service per day, everyday! Of that number, there were 12,445 reports filed. Of the reports filed, detectives investigated 3,153.
|
|
|
|
| ACCREDITATION |
|
| In June 2003, the Norristown Police Department became one of the first police departments in Montgomery County and the Commonwealth to become an accredited department. Achieving accreditation means that the Norristown Police Department has clearly defined policies in all areas, and that these policies meet or exceed more than 100 State program standards that touch on every area of policing. Some of these areas include Law Enforcement Functions (patrol, unusual occurrences, internal affairs, traffic, and prisoner transportation); Staff Support Responsibilities (holding cell areas, communications, records, collection and preservation of evidence), Fitness and Wellness Programs, and Department Organization and Management (limits of authority, use of force, fiscal management, compensation and benefits, work conditions, disciplinary procedures, and training and career development).
The accreditation process is focused on information, facilities, equipment, and personnel. It is not enough that every single policy must compared, one by one, against accreditation standards. The facilities and equipment must meet the capabilities stipulated by the department’s policies, and the personnel must show by their actions they are aware of and follow the policies, routinely. Any policy found deficient against the accreditation standards, will be refined. Where no policy exists, but is required, it will be created and implemented. The end result is uniformity among police departments so that all departments operate to the same standard. This program should eliminate misconceptions about how police departments operate and decrease liability and lawsuits, especially when a department can prove its people were acting in compliance with the standards. Typically departments that are willing to go through the accreditation process are regarded as lead police departments in their county and often earn recognition for their innovative practices.
|
|
|
 |
| LEADERSHIP |
|
| CHIEF OF POLICE |
|
Chief Russell J. Bono was hired June 2, 1971 as a patrol officer, for the Municipality of Norristown Police Department. Since that time, Chief Bono has worked tirelessly as a public servant to, and for, the citizens of, and visitors to, Norristown. A native of Norristown, with roots and family still residing here, he has risen through the ranks of the police department, to his current position. Chief Bono is also the acting Director of Public Safety for Norristown, and as such oversees the Fire Department and Code Enforcement Department, as well. Over the course of Chief Bono’s career, he has served the police department in patrol, K-9, as a patrol supervisor, acting lieutenant, captain/deputy chief and earned college degrees. He has also attended the FBI National Academy, in Virginia. Chief Bono’s background, experience and education make him uniquely qualified to serve as Chief of Police in Norristown. |
|
|
|
|
| DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE |
|
Captain Willie G. Richet was hired February 19, 1973 as a patrol officer for the Municipality of Norristown Police Department. Captain Richet, over the course of his career with Norristown has served as a Patrolman and Supervisor, Commander of the Community Relations unit, Commander of Criminal Investigations, and now as the Deputy Chief. Captain Richet is responsible for over seeing the daily operations of the department, and, he is the Executive Director of the Norristown Police Athletic League ( PAL ). A lifelong resident of Norristown, Captain Richet has dedicated his life to serving the citizens, and especially the youth, of Norristown. |
|
|
|
|
| CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS |
|
Lieutenant Kevin McKeon was hired June 15, 1981 as a patrol officer for the Municipality of Norristown Police Department. Originally from the Upper Darby area, Lieutenant McKeon quickly made Norristown his home. Service to the Department and the citizens of and visitors to Norristown also included a tour of duty where he was assigned to the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. Upon his return to the department, proper, Lt. McKeon served as a supervisor and took command of the Tactical Patrol Unit (T.P.U.). This unit focused on the swift apprehension of violent offenders and quality of life crimes, in the borough. Lt McKeon currently serves as the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. Lt. McKeon is also the Commander of the Norristown Special Response Team. |
|
|
|
|
| STAFF SERVICES |
|
Lt. Mark Shannon is responsible for over seeing/supervising the Records Room, the Police Communications Officers, and Parking Enforcement Officers. Additionally, Lt. Shannon is tasked with Information Technology matters, review and maintenance of the Department’s Accreditation achievement program, and all matters relating to the on going training of officers.
|
|
|
|
|
PATROL SUPERVISORS |
|
|
|
|
Lt. James Gallagher
A Platoon
Mid-night shift
|
Lt. James Hetrick
B Platoon
Day & Evening shift
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lt. Dwayne Herbert
C Platoon
Day & Evening shift
|
Lt. Patty Simons
D Platoon
Day & Evening shift
|
|
|
|
| DIVISIONS |
|
| PATROL |
The Patrol division has 48 uniformed officers, working in shifts, to provide police services to the citizens of Norristown, and anyone else within the corporate boundaries of Norristown. These services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the backbone of the police department, the Patrol Division is tasked with the initial response to any call for service. The primary task of the Patrol Division is the immediate protection of life and property, whether in an emergency or in situations which may become emergent without police intervention. It is always the goal of the Patrol Division to intercede before situations get out of control, and to de-escalate situations that are already out of control, as quickly and professionally as possible, in accordance with the Rights and Liberties Guaranteed by the Constitution Of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, while enforcing all laws and ordinances.
|
|
|
|
|
| CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS |
 |
The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for major case investigations, follow-up investigations to lesser offenses, and internal investigations. Staffed by 6 full-time detectives and the CID Commander, these sworn officers bring to CID expertise in different areas. Their expertise, combined with their experience and drive are leading factors in the Norristown Police Department having one of the highest clearance rates for crimes committed. Although each detective is assigned to concentrate primarily on one specific type of crime from the following: Assaults; Robbery; Burglary; Theft/Fraud; Juvenile; Sexual Assault/Domestic abuse, they come together as a team for major cases – such as homicide. The detectives are also tasked with assisting other agencies as needed when criminal activity has connection to Norristown. Detective receive specialized training in: identification, preservation and collection of forensic evidence; interviewing techniques; and special victims investigations ( when needed ).
|
|
|
|
| SPECIALIZED UNITS |
|
| CANINE (K-9) |
 |
Dating back to WW II and before, dogs have been used for many different missions and to assist and enhance the effectiveness of people at work. Historically, dogs have been used in law enforcement to assist the patrol officer because of the dog’s keen sense of smell and the ability to track individuals. Dogs, by their presence, have the ability at times to keep intense situations from getting worse. Patrol dogs are those dogs that have been specifically trained to track individuals and to apprehend. Dogs have also been trained to detect all manner of drugs and controlled substances as well as explosive materials. Although the Norristown Police Department has had as many as 12 working dogs ( approximately 1989 ), as of 2005 there is only one dog – due to manpower cut backs and budgetary constraints. The one remaining dog, Lekso, is cross-trained both as a patrol dog and a drug dog. Together with his handler, Officer Mitchell, they have under gone intense training not only to become qualified as a K-9 team, but must continually train to maintain that qualification.
|
|
|
|
|
| BIKE PATROL |
Norristown Police first began to use bike patrol officers in about 1996. Assigned in teams, bike patrol officers have the ability to go where police cars cannot, and go more quickly than an officer on foot. Each officer authorized to function as a bike patrol officer, must complete an intensive course of specialized training in which the officer learns how to take their bike over various terrains and obstacles, as well as learning evasive maneuvers and collision avoidance. Bike Patrol officers play a significant role in deterring crime in business areas and allow for better patrol of the Schuylkill Valley Bike Trial. Interaction with the public is also enhanced because of the ability to stop more frequently.
|
|
|
|
|
| SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM |
 |
The primary responsibility of the Special Response Team (S.R.T. ) is the resolution of difficult police situations outside the realm of the ordinary patrol response, through the use of developed skills, tactics, and specialized equipment/capabilities. Incidents which meet this criteria include but are not limited to: Hostage Situations, Barricade Situations, Sniper Situations, High Risk Apprehension or Warrant Service, High Risk Surveillance, or Personal Protection Details.
The second responsibility of S.R.T. is to provide a wide range of police services in furtherance of the police department’s goals and objectives.
S.R.T. is comprised of highly trained, skilled and dedicated officers. Because of the various jobs that S.R.T is tasked to handle, the team has officers trained in tactical operations as well as negotiations and emergency medicine. While it is always the primary goal to resolve every situation faced with no injury nor loss of life, the current realities of the world we live in do not allow for this outcome, all the time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| COMMUNITY RELATIONS |
|
For years the Norristown Police Department has operated a small but effective unit known as Community Relations. The mission of the Community Relations unit has been to take on assignments that require more time than the patrol division can allow its officers to spend time on as well as special community services. These services include Aging and Adult awareness programs, awareness programs for elementary school students (‘stranger danger’; ‘good touch/bad touch’ programs and finger printing/identification packets for children ), parade coordination and funeral details. Unfortunately, manpower cutbacks in January 2005 have caused the reassignment of officers to the Patrol Division from Community Relations.
|
|
|
|
|
| C.L.E.A.N. |
|
A partnership between the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and the Municipality
of Norristown. The unit was formed to assist the citizens of Norristown in restoring order to their community. Members of the unit work with nontraditional partners to prevent or reduce quality of life crimes as well as violent crimes. The C.L.E.A.N. SQUAD works closely with community leaders to ensure that the streets remain clean, safe and nuisance free. The effort is supplemented by the use of aggressive patrolling and specialized prosecutions using resources available through the District Attorney’s Office to target drug dealing and violent crime. The theory held by members of the unit is a belief that the best way to fight crime is to fight the disorder that precedes it. The unit strives to fight crime through quality of life patrols that target crimes at the lowest level - the nuisance laws. The C.L.E.A.N. SQUAD is comprised of four local police officers, one code enforcement officer, three county deputy sheriffs, two county detectives, and one assistant district attorney. Unfortunately, manpower cutbacks in January 2005 have caused the reassignment of officers to the Patrol Division from C.L.E.A.N.
|
|
|
|
| SPECIAL PROGRAMS |
|
| "BOOT" |
|
In response to the growing and over whelming number of unpaid parking citations, Norristown enacted legislation, in late 2004, which now allows the police department to “boot” vehicles. Vehicles subject to “booting” are any that currently have at least three (3) delinquent notices issued and sent, for at least three (3) separate ticket violations. If the owner of the vehicle has not responded to the “booting” of their car at the police department, within 72 hours of placement of the “boot”, the vehicle may be towed. In order to have the “boot” removed and or to recover their vehicle, the owner must provide proof of payment for all parking tickets, citations, and “booting charges” - currently $100.00, at the police department.
|
|
|
|
| PARKING PERMITS |
|
In order to facilitate on street parking for residents of Norristown, parking permits exist for specific areas adjacent to some businesses/industry. These permits may be obtained through the Records room, and are only issued to residents of those areas affected. Generally, the areas to which these permits apply also have time limits for parking, for non-permit vehicles. Any vehicle parking within these areas needs to be moved from the block, not just the exact position parked, in accordance with the time limits. Vehicles that are not moved from the block, in accordance with these time limits, are subject to citation.
Parking is also available, from time to time, in lots operated by Norristown. These lots employ either parking meters or permits. Permits may be acquired at a cost of approximately $15 and are generally good for one month at a time.
|
|
|
|
| CURFEW |
|
It shall be unlawful for any minor to be or remain in or upon any public highway, park or other public place within the Municipality, or in any enclosure or vehicle which is on or in close proximity to any such public place within the Municipality, between the hours of 10:30P.M. and 6:30A.M. on the following day and midnight to 6:00A.M. Fridays and Saturdays. Exceptions to the above are the following:
a. Minor accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other person having legal care or custody of such minor.
b. Minor possessing a written statement dated that day and signed by parent, guardian, or other person having the legal care or custody of such minor, which statement specifies the time, place, purpose and necessity of the minor being in a public place contrary to this Part.
c. Minor lawfully employed making it necessary to be on or in highways, streets, parks, etc., as stated above and possessing a current letter certifying the same and signed by employer, parent or guardian.
d. Minor on emergency errand.
e. Minor traveling to and from church, school or municipal activity with parental permission statement as in subsection (b), above.
It is also unlawful for any parent, guardian or the person having the legal care or custody of a minor to allow or permit such minor to violate any of the provisions of this Part without legal justification therefore.
|
|
|
|
| ADMINISTRATIVE |
|
| RECORDS |
The Records room is located just inside the main entrance of the Norristown Police Department. Its hours of operations are from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except for government holidays that occur during this period. In general, citizens seeking to get a copy of a police report may do so during this time at no cost for regular reports and a cost of $15 per copy of Accident Report. The proof of payment of this fee shall be provided at the time of the request and payment shall be made at the Finance office, located on the 1st floor of the Norristown town hall. Note: reports concerning on-going/active criminal investigations will not be released without a court order.
|
|
|
|
|
| EVIDENCE & PROPERTY ROOM |
The Evidence/Property Room is an extension of the Criminal Investigations Division, and is staffed by an Evidence Technician and or a detective. Normal hours of operation are from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, except for government holidays that occur during this period. The role of the Evidence/Property room is to safely secure items of evidence and the personal property of citizens, as may come into the possession of the Norristown Police Department, for whatever reason. Items of evidence that are personal property cannot be returned (if at all), until the absolute conclusion of the case. This includes the time period for Appeals and their outcome. Personal property that is not evidentiary in nature will be returned to the true owner, as quickly as possible. Anyone who believes that the Norristown Police Department is currently in possession of their property should contact the Property room at 610-270-0485. Where property is submitted to the Property room for “safe keeping,” contact will be attempted with the owner of that property, via telephone and or the last known address available to the police. If no one responds to the attempted contacts, nor presents themselves to the Department as seeking their property, the Department shall consider public notice of such items being held. If the true owner still does not come forward in a timely fashion, the items will then be disposed of.
|
|
|
|
| IN MEMORY OF... |
|
|
Dedicated to those who lost their lives while still actively on the job with Norristown….gone but NEVER forgotten.
|
|
Leroy Roberts
Hired 1968.
Died as a result of Domestic Violence 1975.
Beloved father,Officer, Friend, and middle weight boxer.
( Photo pending. Dates – approximate )
|
|
Thomas Barone
Hired 1990.
Killed in the line of duty
while on scene of a
domestic violenceincident.
October 11, 1992.
Beloved friend, and Officer.
|
|
|
Ronald Rosa
Hired 1992.
Died as a result of an
undetectable heart ailment.
January 18, 2005.
Beloved father, husband, friend,
officer and athlete.
|
 |
|
|
|
| LAW ENFORCEMENT LINKS / FAQ'S |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FAQ’s: |
|
|
|
How can I get a copy of my accident report?
|
Accident reports are available through the Records Room, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. There is a cost of $15 per copy, which must be paid prior to receiving the copy.
|
My car was towed. How can I get it back?
|
Contact the Records Room during regular hours of operation to confirm your car was towed by the Norristown Police. If it was, the owner must then come to the police Department Records room and obtain a Towing Release. In order to get the release for the car, the owner must show a valid driver’s license, proof of ownership, registration and insurance. Owners without these items will need to bring a tow truck with them.
|
If my car was towed at the request of the police, how much will it cost to get it back?
|
Fees for towing and storage are not set by the police nor Norristown. The towing contractor who towed the vehicle is the only one who can answer this question with authority.
|
Where can I get a restraining order?
|
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not issue ?restraining orders.? This kind of ?order? was replaced by a ?Protection From Abuse Order,? and must be obtained from the county courthouse. Once you get the ?order,? be sure to give a copy to the police.
|
I just filed a police report, how long will it take before I hear something on my case?
|
Any progress or outcome on any report filed is entirely dependant on what information was supplied at the time of the report, AND, the willingness of the victim to stay in touch with the police and continue to provide information. Generally speaking, if a report is assigned to a detective, the victim can expect initial contact from the detective within 72 hours. Victims should always provide the most up to date contact information for themselves and any witnesses, to include home, work, cell, and pager phone numbers. Victims and witnesses should also be prepared to give the exact details of the incident and to include exacting descriptions of those involved. Finally, the victim’s and witnesses need to be willing to testify in court.
|
I am concerned about the actions I saw the police take. Who can I speak to?
|
The first step in a situation like this is to contact the shift supervisor. If you are contacting a shift supervisor well after the incident occurred, be prepared to give the exact date, approximate time, and location of what you witnessed. With this information, you can be put in touch with the supervisor that was working at the time of the incident. Based on what you report, you may be asked if you wish to file a ?Citizen’s Complaint.? If you do, you will be given a form to fill out, sign, and return. With this documentation, the matter can be investigated and reviewed.
|
Created April 2005. Additions and corrections will be posted as needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
