Doylestown Twp. Celebrates History-Making Police Promotion

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — In a history-making moment on Tuesday, Officer Jessica Whiteside was sworn in as Doylestown Township’s first female police lieutenant.

Bucks County Judge Matthew Weintraub administered the oath of office just moments after the board of supervisors voted unanimously to promote her to the second highest rank in the department.

Police Chief Charles Zeigler recommended Whiteside for the job after considering the department’s three sergeants for promotion during a six week trial period.

“All three of them did a tremendous job, but I had to make a tough decision,” said Zeigler. “Coming through the six week process, it was clear that Jessica was the choice.”

Whiteside joined the department in 2015 with five years of experience with departments in Montgomery County.

During her first five years with Doylestown Township, Office Whiteside was named the department’s first female motor patrol officer.

(Doylestown Township)

(Doylestown Township)

“Eagerly looking for extra tasks, she was named a field training officer and in 2020 she was promoted to the rank of sergeant," said the chief.

In 2020, the department also started National Night Out with Whiteside becoming the driving force behind the event. Also in 2020, she became a member of the department's hiring and selection process.

“She has the experience,” said the chief after briefing the public on her background. “She also completed her bachelor’s degree in public safety and administration in August and has attended the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command.

“This is a historic moment for Doylestown Township, as Lt. Whiteside becomes the first female lieutenant in our police department’s history," said Chief Zeigler. "We congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to her continued leadership within the Doylestown Township Police and our community."