Quarryville Borough Police want the community to know they are now armed with tasers.
The stun guns are “a deterrent, number one, and officers just need a little more protection from drunk and unruly criminals,” said Mayor Joy Kemper, who is also chairman of the borough’s police committee.
Tasers, which can deliver a low-amperage bad shock from 20 feet, caused controversy in May when a police officer tasered a Philadelphia Phillies fan who ran onto the ball field.
“People don’t want to get shocked,” said Kemper, who said at a borough council meeting June 7 she wanted to inform the community of the availability of the new weapon but also that they will only be used “as a last resort thing.
“We usually only have one officer on duty and backup is pretty far,” Kemper said.
Police Chief Ken Work said his officers have been trained and certified in taser use. The department also polices New Providence Township, and Eden Township is also considering hiring services from the Quarryville police. Kemper said it is feasible the department could, in the future, become a regional force.
During their meeting council members directed Borough Manager Al Drayovitch to review records and contracts with the Arro Group of engineers and consultants to see why the speed on all streets was not reduced to 25 mph as the borough directed. They also want to know why the firm is recommending that an infiltration basin in the Quarry Ridge development be filled in.
In other street concerns council President Robert Landis Jr. asked members to review their list of streets for future improvements. Landis said Seiple Avenue, for example, “looks like a war zone.”
Drayovitch said work on Fourth Street is proceeding, and all businesses on the road have chosen to install radius curbing.
He said he has also received citizen complaints about trucks making deliveries to Sam’s Pizza, which are to be made at the side door rather than from Church Street. The matter will appear on next month’s council meeting agenda.
Work recommended council amend its parking ordinance prior to painting yellow curbing and declaring no parking due to site visibility on areas of South Hess Street. Council, however, tabled the issue.
Finally, council held an executive session for a personnel, a real estate and a legal issue.
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