Harrisburg Police Bureau officials at a press conference in the MLK City Government Center.
In a year when policing has been held under the microscope, the Harrisburg Police Bureau is seeking to spotlight its accomplishments.
On Tuesday, the bureau touted its success with taking 1,370 illegal guns off the streets since 2015, according to Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter at a press conference. The community policing division also provided an update on its expanding staff.
“There’s been conversation throughout the city, especially this year, that the Harrisburg police isn’t doing anything to stop the violence,” Carter said. “We have a lot of sleepless nights. The work that they have done is an outstanding job.”
In 2020, bureau officers seized 256 illegal guns, the most they have taken in one year since 2015, according to data provided by the department. So far in 2021, they’ve collected 48 illegal firearms.
Since this past October, they have responded to over 200 shots fired, said Capt. Atah Akakpo-Martin.
Carter said that 2020 was one of the busiest years he’s experienced as an officer in the city.
“Due to the goodness of our officers and the leadership, we were able to handle everything,” he said.
This year, the bureau has added positions to assist busy officers, as well as bridge the gap between the police and the community. The bureau is currently interviewing for these seven “community service aide (CSA)” civilian positions, explained Blake Lynch, director of community relations and engagement.
The CSAs will tackle quality-of-life issues, assist officers on calls and interact with residents at events around the city, Lynch said.
Harrisburg created the positions as part of the city’s 2021 budget, but not before facing resistance from community members who took issue with expanding the department and with the $1 million police budget increase.
However, Lynch said that the CSA positions have generated significant interest, with the bureau receiving over 140 applications, a majority coming from Harrisburg residents. These CSA positions, he said, have received more applications than any other position in the bureau.
Lynch expects these positions to be filled by May, and, after several weeks of training, the new CSAs will be on the job by mid-summer.
“We’re looking forward to continue working alongside our officers to help fill that gap and help with the resources that our community needs,” Lynch said.
Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
