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Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners - Updated for 2020

6/29/2020

 
PictureAdult spotted lanternflies. Photo Credit: E. Smyers
From Penn State Extension: 
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-for-homeowners

A guide that reviews the identification, life cycle, current distribution, and techniques for managing spotted lanternfly on your property.  Download PDF  Available in Spanish

ARTICLES UPDATED: MAY 8, 2020
Introduction
Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper, native to Asia, that was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. It feeds on many plants, including economically important crops like grapevines and ornamentals. If you think you have SLF, do not panic! First, make sure the insect you are seeing is the spotted lanternfly. Second, learn about its life cycle and habits. Third, determine what plants it is infesting and what it is not. Fourth, employ effective management strategies at the proper time of the year.

Identification and Life Cycle
There is one generation of SLF per year. The eggs are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring. Egg masses are laid on hard surfaces (trees, decks, houses, outdoor equipment, rocks, etc.) and protected with a mud-like covering. Each egg mass contains 30–50 eggs. After hatching and before reaching adulthood, SLF goes through four nymphal stages. Nymphs are small (⅛ to ½ inch) and can be hard to find. The first three stages (instars) are all black with white spots, and the last instar is red with white dots and black stripes (Figure 1). SLF adults emerge in July and are active until winter. This is the most obvious and easily detectable stage because they are large (~1 inch) and highly mobile. Adults have black bodies with brightly colored wings. Only the adults can fly. SLF wings remain closed while they are feeding and walking. SLF wings are gray with black spots, and the tips of the wings are black with gray veins.
Figure 1. The life stages of SLF, including an egg mass on a tree.

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A. Egg Mass. Found September-June. Photo Credit: E. Swackhamer
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B. Early nymph (actual size = 1/8") Found late April-July. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
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C. Late nymph (actual size = 1/2") Found July-September. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
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D. Adult, wings closed (Actual size = 1 inch) Founds July-December. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
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E. Adult, wings open. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
Quick Facts
  • SLF is a destructive invasive pest threatening agricultural and ornamental plants.
  • As of May 2020, 26 counties in Pennsylvania are under quarantine for SLF. SLF has also been found in 5 other states in the northeastern U.S.
  • SLF does not bite or sting.
  • SLF does not kill all trees it feeds on. SLF is a plant stressor that, along with other stressors, can cause significant damage to its host.
  • Stop the spread of SLF by checking your car and any outdoor equipment (grills, mowers, firewood, etc.) when going in and out of the quarantine zone.
  • Manage SLF on your property by scraping and destroying eggs, carefully using bands or traps on trees, removing preferred hosts, and using registered insecticides for control when appropriate.
Current Distribution and Reporting
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An SLF quarantine is currently in effect for 26 counties in Pennsylvania (Figure 2). More counties may be added to the quarantine if additional populations of SLF are confirmed. If you find a spotted lanternfly, kill it and report it immediately with the 
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's online reporting system or by calling 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359).
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Figure 2. The counties under quarantine for SLF in Pennsylvania as of May 2020, indicated in blue. Check the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's website for updated distribution information.
Feeding Damage
SLF is capable of causing serious damage to host plants, including oozing sap from the trees, wilting, leaf curling, and tree dieback. SLF feeds using a piercing-sucking mouthpart tapped into the plant like a straw. When SLF feeds, it excretes honeydew, a sugar-rich liquid waste product. Honeydew serves as a substrate for sooty mold, fungi that thrive in sugary environments. SLF expels significant amounts of honeydew, and often the plant surface and the area around infested plants become coated with honeydew and sooty mold. This mold is generally harmless to people but can damage the plant. If you see sooty mold or sticky areas on a plant or tree, it may be infested by SLF, but it could also be infested with other insects that produce honeydew, such as aphids, leafhoppers, or scales. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the mold, as control measures may differ for pests other than SLF.


There is no way to prevent SLF from moving onto your property. Be aware that SLF is very mobile and management actions must be continuous to keep them controlled.

Consequences of direct feeding damage to the host trees have not been quantified. SLF does not kill every tree on which it feeds. Some plants are at more risk than others. Plant death has only been observed in grapevines, tree-of-heaven, and some tree saplings. SLF is a plant stressor that, in combination with other stressors (e.g., diseases, weather), can cause significant damage to host plants. Following high infestation levels, flagging and canopy dieback of black walnut, willow, staghorn sumac, and maple have been reported. It is possible that after heavy feeding, multiple years of sustained damage, or particularly dry years, SLF may cause significant damage to ornamental and shade trees. However, currently SLF is predominantly considered a nuisance pest for homeowners, and death has not been reported in any ornamental tree.

Seasonal Host Phenology
SLF has a broad host range and has been recorded feeding on over 65 different plant species. Despite this broad host range, some plants appear to be more favorable to SLF than others. Numerous variables appear to determine the attractiveness of a particular plant, including what other plants species are available in the nearby landscape, the health of the plant, the time of year, the SLF population size, and how long SLF has been present in the area. We emphasize that not every tree needs to be treated. Scout the area first, and then consider treating if high populations are found. Nymphs, in particular, seem to have an especially large host range, whereas adults seem to depend more on certain hosts. Table 1 lists the key plant hosts of SLF and the time at which SLF are most likely to be found on these hosts. This table does not represent a comprehensive list of the plants on which SLF feeds; rather, it shows the patterns of SLF feeding that have been observed through the season. Plants are less likely to serve as hosts for SLF as they begin to senesce at the end of the growing season. The patterns in host use may change with varying weather conditions, region, and other undetermined factors.

Table 1. Key plant hosts of SLF throughout the growing season:
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Management
Table 2. Select management options appropriate for the time of year
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Stop the Spread
When you travel in and out of the quarantine zone, check your car and any outdoor items you are moving (grills, outdoor furniture, landscaping supplies, mowers, etc.). Check for SLF egg masses from September through June. Remember that egg masses may be underneath your car or in your wheel wells. During all other times of the year, check for nymphs and adults, and keep your windows rolled up when you park. Don't store things or park under infested trees, and don't move firewood.


Steps of Spotted Lanternfly Management
  1. Stop the spread
  2. Scrape egg masses
  3. Use tree traps to catch nymphs
  4. Remove host plants
  5. Apply insecticides
Egg Scraping
Walk around your property to check for egg masses on trees, cement blocks, rocks, and any other hard surface. If you find egg masses on your property from September to May, you can scrape them off using a plastic card or putty knife (Figure 3). Scrape them into a bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and keep them in this solution permanently. Egg masses can also be smashed. Remember that some eggs will be unreachable at the tops of trees, in other well-hidden areas, and throughout your neighborhood and community. Be aware that this method may not reduce the number of nymph or adult SLF you see later in the year.
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Figure 3. Scraping SLF egg masses from a tree. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
Tree Traps
After the eggs hatch, nymphs will walk up the trees to feed on the softer new growth of the plant. Nymphs frequently fall to the ground, walk to trees, and walk back up the trunks. Take advantage of this behavior by wrapping tree trunks in tree traps to catch the nymphs (Figure 4). Traps can be used on any tree, but we recommend only banding trees where SLF is abundant. You can use either sticky bands or a funnel-style trap. Sticky bands may be purchased online or from your local garden center. Push pins can be used to secure the band. While some bands may catch adults, banding trees is most effective for nymphs. Be advised that birds and small mammals stuck to the bands have been reported. To avoid this, you should cage your sticky bands in wire or fencing material wrapped around the tree. Alternately, try reducing the width of the band, so that less surface area is exposed to birds and other mammals. Both of these methods will still capture SLF effectively. To eliminate the risk of catching birds and mammals, you can use funnel-style traps that consist of mesh wrapped around the tree that leads into a container to trap SLF (Figure 5). Some companies may be producing these traps commercially, or you could also make your own. The mesh (e.g., plastic netting) should be wrapped around the entire circumference of the tree and funnel into a container (e.g., inverted peanut butter jar or plastic bag) with a hole in the lid to allow SLF nymphs and adults to pass through. Read more about trapping SLF in “ 
Using Traps for Spotted Lanternfly Management ". Check and change traps at least every other week (or more often in highly infested areas). Be aware that this method may not reduce the number of nymph or adult SLF you see later in the year.
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Figure 4. A banded tree covered in chicken wire to prevent mammal and bird bycatch. Photo credit: Heather Leach
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Figure 5. A funnel-style trap wrapped around a tree to capture SLF.
PictureFigure 6. Early instar SLF feeding on the invasive plant tree-of-heaven.
Host Removal
Tree-of-heaven (
Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive plant that is common in landscapes and disturbed areas, such as along the sides of roads (Figure 6). This is a preferred host tree for SLF, and current management efforts are focused on removing it or using it as a trap tree by treating it with insecticide. Tree-of-heaven grows rapidly; it can reach up to 100 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The bark of mature tree-of-heaven looks similar to the outside of a cantaloupe. When crushed, the leaves and stems have a foul odor that many describe as rotten peanut butter. They spread by seed and will also produce “clones" by their roots. This tree can be mistaken for other native species, including black walnut, hickory, and staghorn sumac. For help identifying and treating this plant, visit the Penn State Extension spotted lanternfly website.

Use recommended methods to apply herbicide to the tree from July to September and wait at least 30 days before removing the tree. Failure to apply herbicide will result in new growth from the stump and/or roots. Even when treated with herbicide, multiple applications may be necessary over time to completely kill the tree. These trees can get very tall, so seek the help of a tree care service if necessary.
​

Other undesirable invasive species, such as oriental bittersweet, can support populations of SLF and can also be removed. While tree-of-heaven is a preferred host, SLF feeds on a large variety of plants, including many of the ornamental trees commonly found in residential landscapes. Removing these may not be preferred and may not help reduce SLF on your property; refer to the next section for further guidance.

Chemical Control
Only use insecticides that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to treat any insect on your property. All EPA-registered insecticides have an EPA registration number and a label for safe, appropriate, and legal use. Home remedies should not be used against SLF because they may be unsafe to humans, pets, and plants and could be illegal.


Insecticides can kill insect pests on contact and/or by being present systemically in a plant on which they feed. The duration of control that remains after application (i.e., residual activity) varies depending on which type of insecticide is used. Contact insecticides kill SLF when the chemical contacts the insect as a direct spray. Some contact insecticides have long residual activity and can continue killing SLF when they walk over a surface covered with insecticide residue. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by tree roots, bark, or leaves and are moved through its vascular system to other parts of the tree. When systemic insecticides are used, SLF is killed as it feeds on any part of the tree, even if it was not sprayed directly (e.g., spraying the lower part of the tree will protect the treetops). Systemic insecticides work best when applied from July to September. However, systemics can also be applied at other times of year, depending on the application method and the product used. For example, a soil drench containing imidacloprid should be applied earlier in the summer.

There are four main methods to apply insecticides: tree injection (usually applied by professional applicators), bark sprays, soil drenches, and direct sprays (can be applied by homeowners). Systemic insecticides can work well and have residual activity that lasts from several weeks to several months. Property owners should consider hiring a certified pesticide applicator to make insecticide applications. Professional applicators have specialized training and equipment to treat trees.

Insecticides that are available to home gardeners can be used as soil drenches, bark sprays, or direct sprays. They must be used according to the directions on the product label. Direct sprays of contact insecticides are applied directly to SLF and surfaces where they feed and walk, which is often the base of a tree where spotted lanternflies are abundant. Systemic insecticides can be applied using any of the methods listed on the label, but keep in mind that systemics take time to move into the tree. Systemic insecticides should only be applied to actively growing trees, so they should not be applied in late fall or winter. You may apply systemic insecticides as a soil drench around the base of the tree, as a bark spray on the trunk of the tree, or as a direct spray on the leaves of the tree. Systemic insecticides can also be injected into a tree, but this requires special equipment by tree care professionals. Bark sprays have been shown to work well for SLF control, but some of these products also require being mixed with a penetrant, which allows the insecticide to penetrate the bark and move into the tree. You must read the label of the insecticide you purchase to determine whether it should be used as a soil drench, bark spray, or direct spray.

Soil drenches of systemic insecticides are applied into the soil around the trunk of the tree. The insecticide is taken up by the roots and moved into the rest of the tree. Ideally, soil drenches work best when applied in the early summer to trees that had high SLF populations in the past and are likely to have them again. To protect pollinators, soil drenches of systemic insecticides should be applied after a tree's flowers have faded. Soil drenches and bark sprays of systemic insecticides may take several days or weeks to move within the entire tree; so, unlike contact sprays, you should not expect immediate results. Depending on the product and rates used, soil drenches, bark sprays, and injections have the advantage of longer residual activity (several weeks to several months) over contact insecticide applications.

In Tables 3 and 4, the name of the product is listed, along with the mode of exposure, legal use, activity ranking against SLF, and residual activity (how long it stays active). Specific products listed are not an endorsement. Note that most available insecticides registered for use in Pennsylvania will not have SLF listed as a target pest on the label. If the intent is to treat ornamental plants infested with SLF on the property, select insecticides specifically labeled for use on ornamental trees and shrubs. Pennsylvania law allows the application of an insecticide for control of a pest not listed as long as the site is included on the label. Research is ongoing to identify the insecticides that are most effective on SLF while posing the least risk to humans, pets, beneficial insects, and the environment. Additional field trials are being conducted to test the efficacy and residual activity of a wider range of the insecticides that are available to homeowners. We have not yet evaluated nontarget effects of listed insecticides on beneficial insects, including pollinators. We do not recommend treating your entire property since these insecticides are not specific to SLF and beneficial insects may be affected as well. Only treat areas where SLF is abundant.
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N = nontoxic; S = slightly toxic; M = moderately toxic; H = highly toxic; -- = data not available. 1 Some products allowed for organic production. 2 There are many products containing essential oils which vary widely for efficacy against SLF. The two products tested against SLF were “SLF Killer 2" and “Purely Green." Note: The listing of any products in this table is not an endorsement or specific recommendation of the product or the company. Other products with the same active ingredient should also work in the same way, but they may have different rates or formulations. For use in Pennsylvania, be sure the product is registered for the site and purpose of use (e.g., vegetable garden versus ornamental trees). This table is based on the experiments we have done to date and should not be considered final or complete.
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N = nontoxic; S = slightly toxic; M = moderately toxic; H = highly toxic; — = data not available. This table is based on the experiments we have done to date and should not be considered final or complete.
Potential Nontarget Effects of Insecticides
Water Contamination
Every precaution should be taken to protect surface water and groundwater from pesticide contamination. Trunk injections pose the smallest risk to contaminating water because the insecticide goes directly into the tree. Soil drench applications should only occur directly adjacent to the trunk of the tree, as directed on the label. Soil drenches should not be applied to sandy soils or where the water table is shallow. Both dinotefuran and imidacloprid can persist in groundwater for extended periods. When exposed to sun, both of these compounds break down readily. To protect surface water, systemic insecticides should not be applied near open water sources (ponds, lakes, streams).

Pollinators and Other Insects
Many of the trees on which SLF have been observed feeding in high densities are also pollinated by bees (e.g., maples and oaks). It is possible that trees treated with systemic insecticides could have insecticide residue in the flowers and nectar the following spring. Neonicotinoid insecticides, in particular, have been associated with bee health decline. Additionally, there are many native insects that utilize these trees at the same time as SLF (e.g., caterpillars, beetles, lady beetles, lace-wings, parasitoid wasps) and could be affected by the treatment. Pyrethroids can also be damaging to beneficial insect populations and could cause populations of secondary pests, such as mites and scale, to increase. Generally, systemic insecticides are considered to have a reduced impact on beneficial insects compared to broad-spectrum foliar-applied insecticides. We are currently conducting research to determine the effect of SLF treatments on pollinators and other nontargets.

These recommendations are current as of May 2020 and may change as we learn more. We encourage you to stay up to date by visiting the Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly page. Check for the newest version of this fact sheet and always look for the most up-to-date information. When using any pesticide, follow the pesticide label for directions, application rates, methods, and appropriate protective equipment.

Revised by Heather Leach, Emelie Swackhamer, Amy Korman, and Brian Walsh. Originally prepared by Heather Leach, David Biddinger, and Greg Krawczyk.
​

This fact sheet was produced by Penn State Extension in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture

2020 Caln Township Community Clean Up Week

6/16/2020

 
“Keeping Our Waterways Clean!”
 
Did you know the most common litter in streams is household trash?
-Plastic bags, bottles, food wrappers, and many other items can quickly be transported by wind and/or surface water runoff during storm events (storm water).
-Products such as cleaners, lawn fertilizers, and vehicle fluids are often inadvertently collected into storm drains. Organic material such as leaves, sticks, gravel and grass clippings also can be carried by storm water into the municipal system.
-These materials often make their way into nearby waterways and eventually the ocean. These are all forms of water pollution, and pose a great risk to aquatic life, water quality, and even our own health and safety.

 
During the week of June 21st, join your neighbors and local businesses (while maintaining social distancing!) and help keep Caln Clean! 
-Submit photos and/or a simple description of what you and your household or business cleaned up on the Township’s Facebook page.
-Please remember to dispose of waste in an appropriate manner. We encourage the use of reusable or bio-degradable containers and/or bags! Together we can keep our community clean!
 
You can learn more about the impacts of litter on our waters and other ways to help here: https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters
 
Contact: ms4@calntownship.org or 610-384-0600
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Focus on Police Policies in the Wake of the Murder of George Floyd

6/11/2020

 
Following the senseless killing of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, we joined with law enforcement agencies throughout the country and abroad to openly condemn that murder and police brutality in general.  We continue to support peaceful, local protests and vow to be part of the solution to effect positive change through meaningful reform.

We’ve received many inquiries from concerned citizens about our own policies and how we train our officers to mitigate a similar tragedy from occurring here. #8cantwait is a campaign that aims to bring immediate change to police departments, through the effective use of policies, in an effort to reduce the potential for harm and to save lives.  While these eight (8) policies are by no means an exhaustive list, they establish a foundation to restore public trust in law enforcement.  It’s my sincere hope that the Caln Township community takes comfort in knowing that our department enacted and has historically adhered to these policies long before public and political outcry and demand following the Minneapolis tragedy and other national incidents involving officer misconduct.

#1 Ban Chokeholds & Strangleholds
Our current policy specifically states that officers shall NOT employ any form of neck restraint, such as Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint (LVNR) or carotid control hold, except when an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury exists, and no other option is available. In situations involving the use of lesser levels of force, our policies address measures to avoid the potential for positional asphyxia.  Our department conducts annual defensive tactics training with all sworn officers with an emphasis on de-escalation.

#2 Require De-escalation
Our training and policies require officers to take appropriate measures to avoid escalation and to de-escalate potential confrontational situations.  Officers also receive crisis intervention training as part of a partnership with the community to promote officer safety and the safety of individuals in crisis, including, but not limited to, individuals suffering from drug addiction and mental disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury.

#3 Require Use of Force Continuum
Our current Use of Force, Use of Deadly Force, and Use of Force Prohibition policies require that whenever possible, the force used by officers should be progressive in nature.  The use of force continuum is as follows:
Level 1 – Officer Presence
Level 2 – Verbal Direction
Level 3 – Soft Empty Hand Control (to control passive or defensive resistance)
Level 4 – Hard Empty Hand Control (defensive counter strike)
Level 5 – Intermediate Weapons (impact weapons, i.e., baton or electronic control device)
Level 6 – Deadly Force (last resort, e.g., use of firearm)
In determining the necessity for force and the appropriate level of force, officers shall evaluate each situation in light of the known circumstances, including, but not limited to, the seriousness of the crime, the level of threat or resistance presented by the subject, and the level of threat to public safety.  The use of force must be objectively reasonable.

#4 Requires Exhausting All Alternatives Before Shooting
Our current policy specifically states that the use of deadly force, such as the use of firearms, should only be used as a last resort and when lower levels of force have been ineffective or would be inappropriate given the threat level confronting the officer.  An officer may use deadly force when the officer reasonably believes such action is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

#5 Require Warning Before Shooting
Our current Use of Deadly Force policy specifically states that whenever feasible, an officer should identify himself and state his intention to shoot before using a firearm.  Even our Less Lethal Weapons policy states that whenever practical and feasible, officers should issue a verbal warning and their intent to use OC spray or an electronic control device (ECD) prior to discharge.

#6 Ban Shooting At Moving Vehicles
Our current policy prohibits the use of warning shots, firing a weapon to disable a moving vehicle, and discharging a firearm at or from a moving vehicle except as the ultimate measure of self-defense or the defense of another.

#7 Require Comprehensive Reporting
Our current Use of Force Report policy requires officers to complete a use of force report anytime an officer uses any type of force from Level 3 or above in the Use of Force Continuum with the exception of handcuffing, or is alleged to have used force upon another person, no matter how slight.  The report is to be completed for both lethal and less lethal force.  The use of force report must also be completed anytime an officer points a deadly weapon at anyone while on duty.  All use of force reports are reviewed by the officer’s supervisor, the Deputy Chief of Police, and the Chief of Police to ensure policy and training standards were strictly adhered to.

#8 Duty to Intervene
Our current Code of Conduct mandates officers to protect life and property, preserve the peace, prevent crime, obey all Federal and Commonwealth laws, to respect the civil and constitutional rights of citizens, and to provide medical attention whenever necessary.  Officers are obligated to take immediate action when any of those basic principles are violated or at risk, in an effort to correct the situation at hand and to prevent it from escalating and creating further damage or harm.  They are also required to report misconduct to a superior officer.  Failure to do so, or failure by a superior officer to take appropriate action would constitute neglect of duty and subject that officer to disciplinary action up to and including termination if warranted.  Additionally, an officer cannot display cowardice in the line of duty or in any situation where the public may be subject to physical danger.

Nonetheless, as protests and demonstrations continue, these issues and concerns remain in the spotlight, particularly for communities of color.  I chose the #8cantwait campaign because it captures the vast majority of questions that we’ve received during the past two weeks.  In addition to our personnel and operational policies that comply with the strictest accreditation standards, we utilize a rigorous hiring process that includes physical, written and oral examinations, an extensive background investigation process that exceeds state certification requirements, and includes, but is not limited to, medical, polygraph and psychological testing, drug screening, criminal history, driving record, credit history, educational & employment history, and a check of the applicant’s social media usage.  Successful applicants who are hired undergo a lengthy field training program and are subjected to a one year probationary period from the date of hire.  Our policies prohibit bias based policing and we are committed to ongoing training and education, including cultural diversity and ethnic sensitivity.  We employ strict accountability at all levels within the department and place a strong emphasis on our investment in the community.  All of our patrol vehicles are equipped with in-car camera systems and we are in the process of evaluating the addition of body worn cameras in the near future.

I’m proud of the men and women of our department and assure you that we will continue to work with the community to earn the trust and respect of our residents and businesses.  I will not allow the senseless, criminal acts in recent times that occurred outside our borders, and beyond our control, to disgrace our department and the vast majority of law enforcement professionals that are dedicated to the communities that they protect and serve without consideration of class, color, creed or condition.  At the same time we cannot ignore systemic problems where they exist, and we have a duty and an obligation to make whatever changes are necessary to prevent another senseless attack on humanity and our civil liberties.

Sincerely,
Chief Joseph G. Elias
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