Patrol:

A typical South Heidelberg Township Police Officer spends his shift answering calls for service, conducting traffic enforcement, interacting with the community, writing reports, issuing citations, working accidents, making arrests and a variety of other activities typical of most police departments. Our officers conduct proactive patrols in neighborhoods, apartments and in our business areas to deter crime and improve our visibility.

School Resource Officer: 

Since 2020, the South Heidelberg Police Department has provided a dedicated school resource officer (SRO) to Conrad Weiser High School and Middle School. This officer fosters a safe and secure learning environment by wearing multiple hats.  They act as an educator, offering programs on safety and legal issues. They also serve as an informal counselor, building relationships with students and staff. Additionally, their law enforcement background allows them to prevent crime and investigate any incidents that occur on school grounds.

Sergeant David McQuate (retired) 2020-2022

Officer Christopher Ranft 2022 -2024

Officer Mitchell Cole 2024-current

Detective Division:

Detective Robert Heiden is the investigative arm of South Heidelberg Police Department.  He is an experienced officer with specialized training, he handles complex criminal cases beyond the scope of patrol duties.  He along with the assistance of Patrol collects evidence, conduct interviews, and track down leads. His tireless work helps build strong cases for prosecution, bringing perpetrators to justice and provides closure for victims.  Detective Heiden is in charge of the crime prevention program and submits a monthly report which is turned into the Chief of Police.  That report is included in the monthly  report given to all municipalities.

Part-time Detective George Bell (retired) 2020 to 2022

Full-time Detective Robert Heiden 2022 to current

K9:

Handler: Officer Bryan Baxter

K-9 Aldo: German Shorthaired Pointer Deployed 2021

K-9 Aldo is a German short haired pointer and is nationally certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and article searches.  He performs monthly searches at the Caron Treatment center as well as emergency searches there when needed.  K9 Aldo has assisted other departments with narcotic detection on traffic stops one of which led to the seizure of 20g of methamphetamine and cocaine from a vehicle.  K9 Aldo has also been called by other departments for his tracking abilities.  K9 Aldo and Officer Baxter do monthly training to maintain Aldo’s verification as well as keep him sharp with his skills

Dogs trained for different tasks undergo specific training regimens and have distinct temperaments. A dog trained for search and rescue requires focus, calmness, and sensitivity to follow faint human scents, while a narcotics detection dog needs to be assertive and alert to strong, specific odors.

Enhanced Detection:

Drugs and Explosives: Dogs have a far superior sense of smell, allowing them to detect minute traces of illegal substances that might be missed by humans. This is crucial in combating drug trafficking and preventing terrorist attacks.

Missing Persons: K9s trained in search and rescue are invaluable in locating missing individuals, especially in challenging environments like wilderness areas or disaster zones. Their keen noses can track human scents on faint traces, significantly increasing the chances of finding someone alive.

Other Benefits:

Public Relations: K9 units often contribute positively to community relations by building trust and rapport with the public. They can participate in educational programs and demonstrations, fostering a sense of community engagement.

Bicycle Patrol:

Police bicycle patrols are a valuable asset to any law enforcement agency. They offer a unique set of advantages over traditional patrol cars, including: Increased maneuverability: Bicycles can easily navigate narrow alleys, crowded sidewalks, and other areas that are inaccessible to cars. This makes them ideal for patrolling parks, schools, and other pedestrian-friendly areas. Improved community relations: Police officers on bicycles are more approachable than officers in cars. This can help to build trust and rapport between the police and the community.  Environmental benefits: Bicycles produce zero emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly form of transportation.

In addition to these benefits, police bicycle patrols can also be effective for deterring crime, responding to calls for service, and conducting traffic enforcement.  

Chief of Police:

J. Matthew Hook, a 18-year veteran of the South Heidelberg Police Department (SHPD), was appointed Chief of Police by the Board of Supervisors on February 28, 2023. 

Former Chief of Police:

Leon Grim

Barry Whitmoyer

Jim Girard

Roy Brennan