New Britain Police Officer Commended For Crisis Intervention

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks Regional Police Commission recognized a New Britain Township police officer with a merit commendation at its meeting on May 22.

Chief Karl Knott presented the award to Officer Kate Peffal, commending her for her response to a barricaded incident in Doylestown Borough in April.

"As a trained negotiator, Officer Peffal's approach was a model of effective crisis intervention prioritizing de-escalation and the subject's well-being while ensuring public safety," said Chief Knott. "Officer Peffal's actions bring credit to the Central Bucks Regional Police Department, the New Britain Township Police Department and to herself.

New Officer Takes The Oath

In other action at the meeting, the commission welcomed a new officer to the force.

Officer Rhiannon Browne, who has been working as a part-time officer in Dublin Borough since 2023, was sworn in as a full-time police officer with Central Bucks Regional at the meeting.

Officer Browne graduated cum laude from West Chester University in 2021 where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice. She subsequently earned her ACT 120 certification from Temple University's Municipal Police Academy.

The Central Bucks Regional Police Department serves the three boroughs of Doylestown, New Britain and Chalfont.