The Caln Township Police Department & Civil Service Commission, Chester County, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications to fill multiple full-time police officer vacancies.
 
Starting salary is $88,562.65, plus a comprehensive benefits package for applicants who have completed Act 120 Training; $77,492.32 ($2,980.00 bi-weekly) plus health care, for applicants without Act 120 Training who have the ability to complete Act 120 Training at a Municipal Police Academy pursuant to a Cadet Sponsorship Agreement with the Township.
 
Application packets may be obtained at the Caln Township Police Department, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or download here. Completed applications must be returned to the Caln Township Police Department no later than 12:00 midnight on Friday, February 28, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete application packets will be returned for resubmission by the deadline date.
 
Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have reached their 21st birthday by the deadline date for submitting applications.
• Possess a diploma from an accredited high school or a graduate equivalency diploma.
• Be physically and mentally fit to perform the full duties of a police officer.
• Conform to department grooming standards regarding tattoos & body modification as outlined in the application packet.
• Possess a valid driver's license issued by Pennsylvania or any other U.S. state.
• Have successfully completed Act 120 training or have the ability to complete Act 120 training.
• Possess police officer certification in another U.S. state and have the ability to achieve Act 120 certification.
• Reside within 25 miles of the Caln Township Administration Building no later than 3 months after successfully completing their 12-month probationary period.

 
Applicants must pass physical agility testing, written and oral exams, background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical, drug testing, Act 120 training and the Act 120 certification exam prior to appointment as a police officer.
 
Applicants must appear for physical agility testing on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., at the Coatesville Area School District Memorial Stadium, 1445 Lincoln Highway East, Coatesville PA 19320. Dress in work-out clothes, as the physical agility test is first. Applicants who fail the physical agility test will be disqualified from further testing. The written exam will be administered immediately following physical agility testing at the Caln Township Administration Building, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372.
 
Caln Township is an equal opportunity employer. Please contact the Caln Township Police Department, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 610-383-1821 with any questions.

The police department held an awards ceremony and reception at the Thorndale Inn on Friday, February 2, which was attended by officers, their families and friends, as well as Township officials. It was an incredible event!

​2023 Officer of the Year – Investigator Tyler Reece
Throughout the year, Investigator Reece continually demonstrated a proactive, tenacious, disciplined, and procedurally sound approach to basic police work concentrated on traffic enforcement with a focus on drug interdiction. He displayed the persistence to pursue offenders in a variety of ways using all available tools at his disposal. He not only displayed assertiveness towards pursuing offenders, but also completed the task with sound judgment, consistent with laws and legal procedures. In the process, he mentored younger, newer officers, and also served as a field training officer.

Valor Award – Corporal Jonathan Regan & Officer Samantha DiFrancesco
The Medal of Valor is the highest award presented to a member of the department. It is awarded for the performance of an arrest, where the officer’s efforts were met by an armed and dangerous adversary; or for an act of heroism and outstanding courage, without regard to one’s personal safety. Both officers pursued a career criminal, who had stolen multiple vehicles, and then used a stolen vehicle to attempt to kill a Caln Township police officer. After intentionally crashing head on into a Caln police vehicle, the offender threatened the use of a firearm. He was taken into custody in a densely populated neighborhood without loss of life to anyone involved, or harm to the community.

Merit Award – Investigator Christopher Traini
Awarded for intelligent and valuable police service, demonstrating alertness and perseverance, including an especially important or noteworthy arrest, accomplished through intelligent or brave police performance. Investigator Traini pursued 2 suspects on foot that fled from a stolen vehicle. While running through dense vegetation, they fell into a deep pond. Without hesitation, Investigator Traini dove in, rescued them, and then placed them under arrest.

Life Saving Award – Officer Travis Hodes
Awarded for an act performed in the line of duty which results in the saving of a life. Officer Hodes was summoned to a home for an unresponsive person. When he arrived, the individual showed no signs of life. Officer Hodes, who is also a certified EMT, administered CPR and utilized an AED to revive the victim.

Distinguished Unit Citation – Corporal Timothy Pohlig, Officer William Verikakis, Officer Charles Norwood
Awarded where the outstanding accomplishment is the result of teamwork rather than that of an individual officer. The officers responded to a domestic and were confronted by an individual who displayed a firearm and threatened to take his own life. He also placed his partner in danger as officers attempted to negotiate. Officers were able to de-escalate the situation and secure the firearm without injury or loss of life to anyone involved.

Police Chief’s Award For Outstanding Community Service – Officer Samantha DiFrancesco
Awarded for outstanding service and commitment to enhancing police and community relations. Officer DiFrancesco participated in many local and countywide events throughout the year that enhanced police-community relations, including mentoring opportunities with children from preschool-age to high schoolers.

Letter of Commendation – Officer Michael Cabry
Awarded for an exceptional arrest or police service, which shows dedication beyond routine duty. Officer Cabry went above and beyond the call of duty when handling a matter involving a student that walked off from school into a densely wooded area and refused to come out. Officer Cabry’s patience and diplomacy resulted in the student’s safe return to school.

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER TESTING
Caln Township, Chester County, PA
 
The Caln Township Police Department & Civil Service Commission, Chester County, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications for the position of full-time police officer to fill multiple vacancies. Starting salary is $69,895.00, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.   
 
Application packets may be obtained at the Caln Township Police Department, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by download HERE.
 
Completed applications must be returned to the Caln Township Police Department no later than 12:00 midnight on Friday, October 14, 2022.  Late submissions will not be accepted.  Incomplete application packets will be returned to the candidates for resubmission by the deadline date.  
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:

• Have reached their twenty-first (21) birthday by the deadline date for submitting applications.
• Possess a diploma from an accredited high school or a graduate equivalency diploma.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be physically and mentally fit to perform the full duties of a police officer. A description of essential job functions is contained in the application packet.
• Prior to appointment, possess a valid driver’s license issued by this or any other U.S. state.
• Have successfully completed PA Municipal Police Officer (Act 120) training; or
• Have the ability to complete Act 120 training and achieve Act 120 certification (Act 120 not required to apply); or
• Possess police officer certification in another U.S. state.
• Reside within twenty-five (25) miles of the Caln Township Administration Building no later than three (3) months after successfully completing their twelve (12) month probationary period.

 
Candidates must pass physical agility testing, written and oral exams, background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical, drug testing, and the Act 120 certification exam prior to appointment as a police officer. 
 
Candidates must appear for physical agility testing and written exam on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 9:00 a.m., at the Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.  Dress in work-out clothes, as the physical agility test is first.  Candidates who fail the physical agility test will not qualify to take the written exam and will be disqualified from further testing. 
 
Caln Township is an equal opportunity employer. Please contact the Caln Township Police Department, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at 610-383-1821 with any questions.  

The Caln Township Police Department & Civil Service Commission, Chester County, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications for the position of full-time police officer to fill multiple vacancies. Starting salary is $69,895.00, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.
 
Application packets may be obtained at the Caln Township Police Department, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by download at www.calntownship.org. A $35.00 non-refundable application fee will be assessed to each candidate.
 
VIEW/DOWNLOAD APPLICATION PACKET HERE

Completed applications, along with the $35.00 non-refundable application fee, must be returned to the Caln Township Police Department no later than 12:00 midnight on Monday, May 9, 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete application packets will be returned to the candidates for resubmission by the deadline date. Candidates who falsify, intentionally omit, or misrepresent any information during the completion of the formal application process, or any other documents/processes associated with the selection process will be rejected.
 
Successful candidates must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age; possess a diploma from an accredited high school or graduate equivalency diploma; successfully completed Act 120 training on or before July 1, 2022; possess a valid PA driver's license by date of appointment; and reside within 25 miles of the police department no later than three (3) months after completing a twelve (12) month probationary period.
 
Candidates must pass physical agility testing, written and oral exams, background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical, drug testing, and the Act 120 certification exam prior to appointment as a police officer. Candidates who fail the physical agility test will not qualify to take the written exam and will be disqualified from further testing.
 
Candidates must appear for physical agility testing and written exam on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 9:00 a.m., at the Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Dress in work-out clothes, as the physical agility test is first. CDC guidelines, at the time of testing, regarding COVID-19 protocols will be strictly adhered to. Candidates must present a valid photo identification on the date of the test and have completed the Waiver of Liability.
 
Please contact the Caln Township Police Department, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at 610-383-1821 with any questions.
 
Caln Township is an equal opportunity employer.
​

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER CONSORTIUM TESTING
Caln Township & Downingtown Borough Police Departments
 
The Caln Township Police Department, and Downingtown Borough Police Department, Chester County, Pennsylvania, are accepting applications for the position of full-time police officer to fill multiple vacancies. Starting salary, for both departments, is approximately $69,000, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates have the option of applying to one or both departments, based on their ability to meet specific agency requirements (i.e., residency, etc.).  
 
Application packets may be obtained at the Caln Township Police Department, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by download at www.calntownship.org, and the Downingtown Borough Police Department, 10 W. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by download at www.downingtown.org.  A $40.00 non-refundable application fee will be assessed to each candidate.  Please make check payable to the Borough of Downingtown.
 
VIEW/DOWNLOAD APPLICATION PACKET HERE

All completed applications, along with the $40.00 non-refundable application fee, must be returned to the Downingtown Borough Police Department no later than 12:00 midnight on Friday, September 10, 2021.  Late submissions will not be accepted.  Incomplete application packets will be returned to the candidates for resubmission by the deadline date.  Candidates who falsify, intentionally omit, or misrepresent any information during the completion of the formal application process, or any other documents/processes associated with the selection process will be rejected.
 
To apply, candidates must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age; possess a diploma from an accredited high school or graduate equivalency diploma; successfully completed Act 120 training on or before December 18, 2021; and possess a valid PA driver’s license by date of appointment.
 
Additional agency specific requirement(s): Caln Township - reside within 25 miles of the police department no later than three (3) months after completing a twelve (12) month probationary period. Downingtown Borough - completed 30 college credits from an accredited university or college.
 
Successful candidates must pass physical agility testing, written and oral exams, background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical, drug testing, Act 120 certification exam, and Act 57 separation records clearance from MPOETC prior to appointment as a police officer.  Candidates who fail the physical agility test will not qualify to take the written exam and will be disqualified from further testing.
 
Candidates must appear for Civil Service physical agility testing and written exam on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., at the Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.  Dress in work-out clothes, as the physical agility test is first.  CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols will be strictly adhered to.  Candidates must present a valid photo identification on the date of the test and have completed the Waiver of Liability.
 
 
Please contact the Downingtown Borough Police Department at 610-269-0263 with any questions.
 
Caln Township and Downingtown Borough are equal opportunity employers.
 
Civil Service Commissions
Caln Township & Downingtown Borough

​Chief Joseph Elias presented Amber Dousi and Alexis Lockett with Citizen Life Saving Awards in recognition of their swift, decisive, and courageous actions on March 22, 2021 that resulted in saving the life of a fellow citizen on the Reeceville Road overpass at U.S. Route 30. The women observed a despondent young man standing on the bridge, looking over the railing, and then lifting his leg as if he was going to jump.  They recognized imminent danger and then selflessly, without concern for their own safety, stopped, grabbed the man, and placed him in their vehicle until police arrived.  Coincidentally, the responding officer, Officer Joseph Carboni, saved a young woman from a similar fate at the same location three months earlier.

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

A message from the Chief of Police regarding the recent pipe bomb incidents.
 
During the past several days, our residents, particularly in the southwestern section of the township (often referred to as Megargee Heights), have endured reports of pipe bombs in their neighborhoods. It’s important for me to take this opportunity to ensure the community that we are doing everything in our power, in concert with our partnering law enforcement agencies, to identify the person(s) responsible and to restore a sense of normalcy to the lives of our families and businesses. We’ve received numerous calls from concerned citizens, many wondering if it’s safe to go outside. While the nonstop investigative work that occurs behind the scenes is not always readily apparent, residents can expect to see a significant increased police presence in an effort to alleviate some of their concerns and anxiety, and as a proactive measure to deter any further acts of this nature. This investigation is our number one priority.
 
Police departments strike a fine balance between providing specific details of a case, while at the same time trying to protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation. Regardless, we have the responsibility to make the public aware of situations that threaten their safety, and not withhold information that could potentially place them at an even greater risk and/or add to their fears. At this point in the investigation we have no information to indicate that these acts are targeted at a specific individual or group of individuals. Nonetheless, our investigators will follow all leads to determine motive and to bring those responsible to justice.  Additionally, while we have been describing these devices as “pipe” bombs, they were not actually constructed of metal or plastic pipe.  Nonetheless, their appearance is similar and the devices that we recovered were capable of causing serious injury or death, and property damage.  
 
In the meantime, please go about your daily routines with an added sense of vigilance for anything that seems unusual or suspicious. Trust your senses and call 911 even if the information seems trivial to you. Serious crimes are often solved based on tips from the public that allow police to connect the dots. I’ve spoken to several individuals this week who have heard the term “pipe bomb” but have never seen one, or even a photo of one. While not all pipe bombs appear exactly alike, please share the photos of the devices we recovered with your friends, neighbors, and children, so that one of these devices aren’t picked up or handled by anyone other than law enforcement or a trained bomb technician. The device that was discovered at Olive Street and 14th Avenue had a partial fuse that could have been lit by someone (particularly a child), and exploded, tragically resulting in death or serious injury. The actor(s) responsible for depositing the device at that location had lit the fuse but it extinguished before the device detonated.
 
We continue to stress the “See Something, Say Something” approach. Our department is operating on high alert, so please call 911 if you detect something suspicious or encounter a similar device. Please don’t attempt to handle it. You will be placing yourself and others at risk.
 
Sincerely,
 
Joseph G. Elias
Chief of Police
​

​***UPDATE - January 22, 2020***
On January 22, 2020 a caller reported an explosion in the area of the railroad underpass, at S. Caln Road and Olive Street, which occurred on Monday, January 20, 2020, around 3:00PM, approximately 24 hours before a postal carrier located an undetonated pipe bomb at 14th Avenue and Olive Street.  The caller reported it to police after reading news reports of the pipe bomb that was discovered on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
Responding officers located a device near the railroad underpass that appears to have been detonated.  No property damage in the area of the device was discernible.  Both devices appear to be “homemade” and similar in size and construction.  The locations are approximately ½ mile apart.  Today, officers were again on location and have expanded their search of the area.
Police strongly encourage residents “who see something, to say something”, and to immediately call 911 if they observe a suspicious device.  Please do not attempt to handle the device and maintain an extra safe distance.  Only trained bomb technicians should render an explosive device safe. 
Investigators have not identified a motive or suspects, and are asking anyone with information to contact the Caln Township Police Department at 610-383-1821.
Photo of device located by officers on January 22, 2020: