{"id":83915,"date":"2026-01-11T13:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T13:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/83915\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T13:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T13:50:09","slug":"delaware-county-police-leadership-and-policing-trends-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/83915\/","title":{"rendered":"Delaware County police leadership and policing trends for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are the trends Delaware County police anticipate for 2026?<\/p>\n

The Daily Times polled various police chiefs and answers ranged from increased use of drones, including on initial dispatches, as well as regional cooperation with events surrounding the nation\u2019s 250th celebrations.<\/p>\n

In Marple Township, Chief Brandon Graeff said he wants to deepen his knowledge and understanding into how artificial intelligence can be implemented into policing.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom complementing officers\u2019 daily activities to monitoring crime trends\/criminal behaviors, I believe AI will play a large role in our profession,\u201d Graeff said.<\/p>\n

\"MarpleMarple police. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Graeff said he doesn\u2019t want to replace the human component of officers interacting with the public, but to increase their efficiency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe benefit to the public will be exponential,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Graeff said he will continue to provide my officers with the best tools and equipment he can in order to support what they do within the community and with the support of the township manager, Larry Gentile.<\/p>\n

In Nether Providence, Chief of Police David Splain said the coming year will be defined by preparation, coordination, and adaptability, particularly as the area prepares for numerous events surrounding nation\u2019s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n

Splain said there is an increased emphasis on regional planning and inter-agency collaboration with the recognition that public safety during major events depends as much on planning and communication as on enforcement.<\/p>\n

\"NetherNether Providence Police Station. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

\u201cSuburban departments are working more closely with county, state, and federal partners to ensure consistent operational standards, communications interoperability, and coordinated response plans for large-scale events that will draw visitors well beyond municipal borders,\u201d Splain said. \u201cEven departments that do not host signature events directly will play a supporting role through traffic management, mutual aid, and contingency planning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Splain believe staffing and retention also remain a central focus.<\/p>\n

\u201cDepartments are prioritizing experience, training, and officer wellness to ensure they can meet heightened operational demands without sacrificing day-to-day service,\u201d he said. \u201cIn suburban communities, residents expect officers to be both highly professional and highly visible, especially during periods of increased activity and regional attention.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Technology continues to play an essential role as a force multiplier to improve situational awareness and allow departments to respond efficiently without overextending personnel, the chief said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2026, suburban departments are increasingly relying on real-time information sharing, video and digital evidence systems, and data-driven deployment to manage special events while maintaining routine patrol and investigative functions,\u201d Splain said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOverall, suburban policing in 2026 is about readiness: balancing everyday community policing responsibilities with the ability to support large-scale regional events, all while maintaining public trust and operational professionalism,\u201d Splain said.<\/p>\n

In East Lansdowne, Chief James Cadden said his department is focusing on \u201cprocedural justice\u201d along with achieving PLEAC Accreditation certification.<\/p>\n

Procedural justice focuses on the way police and other legal authorities interact with the public and how the characteristics of those interactions shape the public\u2019s views of the police, their willingness to obey the law, cooperation with the police, according to the Justice Department.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmbracing the philosophy of \u2018Procedural Justice\u2019 in all aspects of police service is my overall goal,\u201d Cadden said.<\/p>\n

His department has seen a complete modernization and replacement of equipment and service gear, including uniforms, badges, emblems, service weapons, non-lethal weapons and they are looking to more than double training for frontline officers and command staff alike.<\/p>\n

\"BaltimoreBaltimore Avenue in East Lansdowne. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

East Lansdowne expects to create two additional supervisory ranks to increase supervision & oversight and also to provide resources and guidance to the patrol officers.<\/p>\n

Cadden said his department\u2019s greatest strength is what some see as the greatest weakness, their size.<\/p>\n

With a small department there is not a need for a community relations officer or an \u201coutreach\u201d plan, that is the way it is in his department.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery officer in the department can tell you the first name of someone who lives in most residences in our town,\u201d Cadden said.<\/p>\n

He said most residents can at the very least recognize the faces of, or even tell you the names, of officers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a connection and an understanding with those whom we serve and its benefits are more than I can describe here, but is a big part of why, after 35 years I still have not retired,\u201d Cadden said.<\/p>\n

In Prospect Park Police Officers will begin using body cameras and the department is also investigating professional certification, said Chief Dave Madonna.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2026 our focus will be to blend the best of traditional, relationship-based policing with modern tools and training,\u201d Madonna said. We will be implementing our first body-worn camera program in the early stages of this year and we will expand our active-shooter preparedness to ensure both transparency and readiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ProspectProspect Park Police. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Madonna said his department, like many, continues to navigate staffing challenges, but their commitment to providing \u201chigh-quality police service to the community remains unwavering.\u201d<\/p>\n

At some point, Prospect Park would like to explore the formal accreditation process to further strengthen\u00a0 policies, training standards and accountability.<\/p>\n

In Darby, Chief Joseph Gabe said his department saw increased staffing at the end of 2025 and now it is\u00a0 also bringing in new technology, including a drone and public security cameras.<\/p>\n

Darby was able to hire two additional officers and now has 22 full-time police officers and four part-time police officers.<\/p>\n

He credited strong communication and collaboration with our elected officials, who firmly believe in the importance of public safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a small borough like Darby, this speaks volumes about what can be accomplished when police leadership and elected officials work together to do what is right for the community,\u201d Gabe said. \u201cI believe that as we move into 2026, this continued teamwork will further benefit our residents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DarbyDarby Borough Municipal Complex. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Gabe said two state grants that fund technology will have a significant impact on his department, which has a high call volume. One grant funds the purchase of drones, training for departmental drone pilots, and police vehicles. The second grant allow will allow the borough to install live cameras throughout the community to enhance public safety efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe the combination of increased staffing, the use of drones, and the implementation of borough-wide live camera systems will play a major role in helping to keep crime down,\u201d Gabe said. \u201cWhile there will always be crime, the Darby Borough Police Department remains committed, as it always has been, to protecting the citizens of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Upper Darby, police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt said his department will continue the same approach used in 2025, \u201cfocusing on data-driven policing, strong community partnerships, and technology to enhance public safety and support our officers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bernhardt said working with Mayor Ed Brown, the administration and council, the department has invested in systems that allow the department to analyze calls for service, high-call locations, repeat problem areas, and seasonal trends.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis information allows us to deploy officers where and when they are needed most, using resources efficiently rather than increasing patrols across all areas,\u201d Bernhardt said. \u201cData is used to connect residents and locations with the right township services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GarrettGarrett Road in Upper Darby. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Issues like property problems or code violations are referred to Licenses and Inspections, so they are handled by the correct department instead of only by the police.<\/p>\n

Bernhardt said that technology allows police to direct other services, such as social services, to people who may need extra support.<\/p>\n

In Upper Darby specialty units are an important part of their strategy.<\/p>\n

Highway Patrol and Traffic Enforcement units focus on areas with higher crash rates and frequent speeding complaints. These units operate independently of patrol shifts and can concentrate on problem areas and improve traffic safety.<\/p>\n

\"UpperUpper Darby police. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Bernhardt said community policing will remain a priority in 2026. The Community Affairs Unit will continue building relationships through programs such as TAPS in public and parochial schools and the Upper Darby Police Explorer Program, strengthening connections with youth, families, and the community.<\/p>\n

Mental health response continues to grow as a focus and has shown positive results, the superintendent said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mental health program equips officers with additional tools and includes trained professionals responding alongside officers to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with services.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program will continue to expand.<\/p>\n

Technology will remain a key component in Upper Darby. The department will continue using drones to improve officer safety and situational awareness by providing real-time information during serious incidents.<\/p>\n

Bernhardt said their goal is to strategically place drones throughout the township so they can be deployed simultaneously with patrol units in response to 911 calls.<\/p>\n

\"UpperUpper Darby police station. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Bernhardt said the department continues to emphasize professional development for officers, supervisors, and command staff through ongoing training and education.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis commitment ensures our personnel remain well trained, prepared, and capable of meeting the needs of both the department and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Officer wellness remains a priority in the department with the Critical Incident Stress Management program supporting officers experiencing job-related stress.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs policing evolves, our focus remains on prevention, teamwork, officer well-being, and earning the trust of the community,\u201d Bernhardt said. \u201cThrough continued use of data, technology, community partnerships, and strategic investment, the Upper Darby Police Department will remain proactive and prepared to serve the community in 2026 and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Yeadon, Chief Henry J. Giammarco Jr. said his department is on the verge of becoming accredited, which he said is a significant milestone for both the department and the community.<\/p>\n

The department is scheduled to meet with the accreditation board on Jan. 22 and that achieving that goal reflects the force\u2019s \u201ccommitment to accountability, transparency, and best practices in law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giammarco said from an broader view, there has been a nationwide decrease in violent crime, \u201cwhich is encouraging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe circle at Longacre Boulevard and Cypress Street in Yeadon. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are hopeful this trend continues into the coming year and are positioning our department to proactively support this progress at the local level,\u201d Giammarco said. \u201cAs violent crime declines, our focus will increasingly center on quality-of-life issues. These concerns matter deeply to residents, businesses, and visitors, and addressing them directly helps strengthen community trust and overall safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giammarco said a key priority for the department is continuing to build strong relationships with community members. Positive engagement, open communication, and mutual respect are essential to effective policing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe remain committed to strengthening these partnerships across all segments of the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Giammarco said residents and guests deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected and to that end, the department will continue to enforce traffic laws, address nuisance and quality-of-life concerns, and provide the highest possible level of service to the Yeadon community and those visiting our borough.<\/p>\n

In Eddystone, Police Chief Edward Mokshefsky said the trend for 2026 will be to continue with accreditation and coming up with better recruitment strategies.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery department is having trouble with staffing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"PennPenn Terminals in Eddystone. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

The chief said Eddystone expects to start the Civil Service process to hire one additional officer to add to a 13-member department.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What are the trends Delaware County police anticipate for 2026? The Daily Times polled various police chiefs and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":83916,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[202,212,182,139,28,210,147,149,148,150],"class_list":{"0":"post-83915","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upper-darby","8":"tag-crime-and-public-safety","9":"tag-delaware-county","10":"tag-local-news","11":"tag-news","12":"tag-pennsylvania","13":"tag-top-stories-dtd","14":"tag-upper-darby","15":"tag-upper-darby-headlines","16":"tag-upper-darby-news","17":"tag-upper-darby-township"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83915","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83915"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83915\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83916"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}