Chesco Lawmaker's Bill To Recruit More Police Heads To Governor

HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Dan William's bill to address Pennsylvania’s shortage of police officers is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro to sign after passing the state House and Senate.

The bill calls for reducing the physical fitness standards required for enrollment in a municipal police academy in Pennsylvania. However, the previous standards still would have to be met to be employed as a police officer in the Keystone State.

Williams, a Chester County Democrat, said the bill will prove local police departments a tool to help solve vacancies.

The bill also would update outdated reading comprehension standards that have made recruitment more difficult and imbalanced statewide.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Pennsylvania has an estimated 1,300 open positions.

A 2021 national survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum showed a 45 percent increase in retirements and an 18 percent increase in resignations over the previous year.

“Vacancies in the local police hurt our communities and put us all at risk,” Williams said.

Williams represents District 74 which consists of municipalities in western Chester County including Atglen, Coatesville, Honey Brook Borough, Honey Brook Township, Modena, Parkesburg, Sadsbury, South Coatesville, Valley, West Caln, West Sadsbury, and three districts in Caln Township.