East Whiteland, Malvern Borough Will Discuss Police Contract

At the Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday night, Malvern Borough Council president Woody Van Sciver addressed the board regarding a police services agreement.

"We came to ask your consideration to consider a proposal where we subcontract police services from you. ... We would hope that we could investigate the possibilities and come up with a sustainable approach to police services in both Malvern and, of course, East Whiteland," Van Sciver said.

Malvern Borough Council that it would consider closing its police department and entering into an agreement with a nearby municipality for police coverage.

Van Sciver said the borough wouldn't expect to pay less than the cost of the services, nor would it expect either municipality's residents to pay for the other's police services.

"With that as basis of discussion, we would like to enter into more formal conversations to see if we can strike a potential contract," he said.

East Whiteland Township manager Terry Woodman noted that discussions could start at the staff-level and would need to be very detailed about what level of service is expected.

"I'm not thrilled by the idea, but talking about it doesn’t hurt anything," East Whiteland supervisor John Mott said.

Supervisor Bill Holmes was also in favor of discussions. Virginia McMichael, the third member of the board, was absent.

"If I was in a position where we need help, I would hope other townships would help, as well," Holmes said.

East Whiteland appears the most likely candidate for a police contract. Though shares a longer border with the borough, there are no indications so far that a similar proposal is advancing there.

Willistown Township manager David Burman said he hasn't received any written requests about it from Malvern Borough and borough officials have not attended recent township meetings. Willistown Police Chief John Narcise said that he doubts there will be a police services contract with the borough.

Malvern Borough will hold a April 17 in the 's meeting room to discuss the possible outsourcing of its police services.

Malvern Police Officer Patrick Dougherty expressed concern that the borough council was already making plans before hearing from the public. He also said the borough meeting room might not accommodate a large public turnout, and another venue should be considered.

"This should be the time to make those accommodations. Obviously, this is a very controversial thing, and a very important decision is going to be made," Dougherty said. "They need a place that can accommodate everyone, to let them speak their piece."