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Chief Cox Elected as Vice-Chairman of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission
Chief Randy Cox of the Somerset Borough Police Department was recently elected as the Vice- Chairman of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) at the January 30, 2018 meeting of the commission.
Somerset Borough Police Retain Accredited Status
In case you ever wondered what those round decals on our cruisers and station doors are all about, they represent that the Somerset Borough Police is an accredited law enforcement agency, verifiably engaging in law enforcement best practices as certified by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC).
Somerset Borough Mayor Swears In New Officers
Our three newest officers, Trenent Hantz, Anthony Vittone and Karissa Grossman completedtheir Oath of Honor recently. The oath was administered by Mayor Scott Walker at a recent Somerset Borough Council meeting.
Leadership Somerset County
Congratulations to Officer Hemminger, the first police officer to have participated in Leadership Somerset County.
Mayor Scott Walker Swears In New Officer 
Mayor Scott Walker swears in new officer Jason M. Upton at the November 24th Council Meeting. Upton is a graduate of the IUP Regional Police Academy and holds degrees from Geneva College (MS in Organizational Leadership), The Community College of the Air Force (AS in Criminal Justice), Penn State (Arts & Sciences) and Indiana Bible College (Liberal Studies).
Somerset K-9 sworn into service
Ajay, the new Somerset Borough police K-9 officer, and his handler, officer Brian Harbart, perform a swearing-in ceremony Monday before Borough Council.
Corrections officer receives commendation for aiding policeman
Thomas Slusser Jeff Keafer (second from left), a corrections officer at State Correctional Institution-Somerset, is congratulated by Somerset Borough police Officer Christopher Pile after receiving a commendation for helping Pile when a suspect he was arresting fought him.
Officials praise guard for
coming to officer's aid
Officials on Tuesday praised corrections officer Jeff Keefer, who went to the assistance of Somerset Borough police Officer Chris Pile when Pile was in an altercation with the driver of a stolen car.
Somerset on list of top towns for police officers
A data collection website has released a report naming Somerset the 39th best small city in the United States for police officers to work and live.
“The job of a police officer is one of the hardest in the country, and the strength of a police force says a lot about the community it protects,” said Eppie Vojt, founder of GoodCall, the company that completed the report. “We wanted to find communities that give back to their law enforcement officers by providing them a great quality of life.” Read More >>
The officers and staff of the Somerset Borough Police Department mourn the line of duty death of St. Clair Township Police Officer Lloyd E. “Jr.” Reed, Jr.
End of Watch: Saturday, November 28, 2015
2015 D.A.R.E. Graduation St. Peter's Catholic Schools
St. Peter's Catholic Schools 5th grade class recently became D.A.R.E. graduates.
Officer Takes Oath of Office
Somerset Borough Police Officer Brett Stanga, having finished his field training with Somerset Borough
Police Department, takes his Oath of Office in front of
Borough's Council at the recent meeting.
Somerset council meets new K-9
K9 Ajay visited the May meeting of the Somerset Borough Council to be introduced and was quite the hit. Ajay, who has been residing with his new partner, Officer Brian Harbart, and his family for the past ten days is just beginning the narcotics phase of his training. He should complete the last phases of training, including aggression, tracing, tracking and article search before summer’s end. Read More >>
As we welcome Ajay, let us pause to remember K9 Arny who paved the way. Click here to see more about Arny.
Somerset could have new K-9 officer on patrol by June
At a borough council meeting Monday, Mayor Scott Walker and Somerset Police Chief Randy Cox madethe announcement that a K-9 originally from The Netherlands and presently located in West Virginia is being eyed for the department
The potential K-9, a 2-year-old male Belgian Malinois, was chosen by the department's master
trainer, William Sombo, because it shares a work ethic similar to Arny, Cox said.
Harbart would be the handler for the new K-9. Cox said Harbart and Sombo will travel to West Virginia to assess the dog May 8. Read More >>
Staff learns how to deal with disruptive patients
Somerset Hospital emergency room registered nurse Amy Handwerk controlling an unruly patient, portrayed by registered nurse James Burkholder as Somerset Borough Police Sgt. Stephen Borosky gives direction at a training held on April 15.
SPD Congratulates its Newest CIT Grad
Somerset Borough Police Officer Brett Stanga was among the most recent graduates of Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) training conducted the week of April 13th. C.I.T., or Crisis Intervention Team is an innovative program of police-based crisis intervention involving community health care and advocacy partnerships based on a nationally recognized model developed by the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department. Read More >>
Lieutenant Eric A. Eslary
Ligonier Township Police Department, Pennsylvania
The officers and staff of the Somerset Borough Police Department mourn the line of duty death of Ligonier Township Police Lieutenant Eric Eslary. Read More >>
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
Fidelis ad mortem.
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 1801 Presents Gift
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 1801, recently presented the Somerset Borough Police Department with a gift of $4,500.00 toward the purchase of video cameras for use by the department’s officers during the normal course of their duties.
“Building Communities of Faith, Academics and Service”
Sgt. Rich Appel, SPD’s D.A.R.E. Officer, looks over thank you cards recently received from the 5th Grade class at St. Peter’s School.
Remembering Arny
In acknowledgment of the respect and affection shown to Arny by the community, the Somerset Borough Police Department wishes to invite the community to attend a memorial service for Arny.
Click here for more information about K-9 Arny >>
An Arny Update 3-17-15
It is with profound sadness that the Somerset Borough Police Department announces the death of K9 Arny, SPD Badge #94. Arny passed peacefully yesterday evening with his partner, Officer Brian Harbart and all of the Harbart family at his side as SPD officers maintained a vigil outside of the Somerset Animal Medical Center. Arny had been diagnosed earlier this year with a very aggressive form of cancer, Hemangioscarcoma, and had been retired from the force to spend his remaining days in the loving care of his family, the Harbarts. Read More >>
An Arny Update
At Somerset Borough Council’s February meeting, Altoona pet artist Rachel DiAndrea presented an original watercolor painting of Somerset Borough Police Department K-9 Officer Arny. The police dog, who has been on duty since 2006, was forced into retirement due to an aggressive form of cancer.
An Arny Update 1-28-15
On behalf of the Somerset Police K9 Officer Brian Harbart and his family, Chief Randy Cox wants to thank the Somerset Community for the outpouring of sympathy and support received in the wake of the news that the department’s K9, Arny, is suffering from terminal cancer.
Possible Transient Crime Activity
Somerset Borough Police are currently investigating what may possibly be related to transient criminal activity. Police began receiving calls concerning young men going door to door selling magazine subscriptions.
Drug drop-off box installed at Somerset Police Station
Somerset County residents now have a safe way to dispose of old medications year-round. Somerset County District Attorney Lisa Lazzari-Strasiser and Somerset Borough police Chief Randy Cox unveiled a PA MedReturn box Monday.
Somerset Night Out
Residents gathered Tuesday night at the Union Street Playground to enjoy Somerset Night Out. The annual event is held to promote crime and drug awareness. The event includes free crafts and activities for families sponsored by local community groups such as the Learning Lamp and the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County.
Read More >>
The officers and staff of the Somerset Borough Police Department mourn the line of duty death of Perryopolis Borough Police Officer Richard Champion.
End of Watch: Sunday, December 14, 2014
2014 DARE Graduation St. Peter's
DARE is an exciting 9 Week program for school aged students grades K through 12 that helps students resist pressures that may influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants and other drugs.
Somerset police chief outlines need for new Somerset County 911 radio system
Cox was the guest on the January edition of “DA Live,” a monthly online feature on dailyamerican.com. The last time the Somerset County 911 radio system was updated was in the late ’90s, according to Somerset Borough Police Chief Randy Cox.
He said that although some Somerset County residents are upset about the approval of a new $8.2 million 911 radio system, it is essential for public safety. Read More >>
Well Respected Retired Officer Passes
James Hahn, a deputy coroner and retired Somerset Borough police officer, was traveling to a funeral in Rockwood Wednesday morning when he was killed in a two-vehicle accident.
Somerset Borough Police promote two to sergeant
The Somerset Borough Police Department promoted two officers to sergeants on Monday night.
Richard Appel and Stephen Borosky were appointed to the rank by Somerset Borough Council.
Somerset Borough police to purchase motorcycles with help of donations
Somerset's borough police force is updating its motorcycle corps thanks to the support of three Somerset veterans organizations. The department is replacing its 2007 Harley-Davidson with two 2-year-old Harley Electra Glide motorcycles.
Somerset Borough police welcomed in area schools
A police officer is now monitoring the halls of the Somerset Area School District. Somerset Borough police Chief Randy Cox told council members during Monday's meeting that the officer-in-school program is being implemented successfully. The program started Thursday.
Police dogs are powerful, expensive weapons
A police dog is a powerful weapon to be handled with care, according to Somerset Borough K-9 Handler Brian Harbart.
K-9 Arny joined the Somerset Borough Police force in 2005. He is the only active fulltime police dog in Somerset County. Paint Township police also has a K-9 uni
SPD K9 Team participates in training
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium brought a world-renowned expert to the International Conversation Center Thursday to conduct a training seminar for guard dogs at the elephant breeding facility, located near Fairhope.
Most allegations of misconduct at the Somerset County Jail unfounded
Most of the allegations about employees of the Somerset County Jail were unsubstantiated, Somerset Borough police Chief Randy Cox told the prison board at a special meeting on Friday. Charges of indecent assault and harassment will be filed against one employee, he added. READ MORE >>
Jail board honors drug-sniffing dog,handler
Somerset Borough police Officer Brian Harbart and his K-9 partner, Arny, were recognized at Tuesday's Somerset County Prison Board meeting.
National Night Out 2012 
Area Service Clubs Support SPD Training Effort
When presented with an opportunity for SPD officers to attend one of the premier police administration training programs available for law enforcement, there was only one obstacle… paying the tuition.
Somerset School, Police Prepare For The Worst
Although there were no students at the Somerset middle and high school Monday, lessons were still being learned. The day before school was used for a drill involving local police, first responders and school personnel.
Somerset Borough mayor will not seek re-election
Somerset Borough Mayor William Meyer's 16th year in office will be his last. "It's been a privilege to serve the people of Somerset Borough," he said. "The time has come to move on." Meyer, 81, said he will not run for re-election. His term ends at the end of the year.
Telemarketers have been falsely representing the Somerset Borough Police Department
A company named Team Spirit Promotions has recently been engaging in a telemarketing campaign in the Somerset area to sell ad space on a refrigerator magnet they plan to distribute in Somerset. The telemarketers have been falsely representing that the Somerset Borough Police Department.
2012 DARE Graduation 
An Open Letter to the Somerset Community- September 6, 2012
On Friday, February 24, 2012, the Somerset Borough Police department was shocked and saddened to learn that one of its officers had been arrested on bribery charges. The officer had solicited a payment of $500.00 from a young man found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. In return for the payment the officer had volunteered not to initiate a criminal prosecution of the man.
Department Response to Arrest of Officer
Jason Ponczek, an officer of the Somerset Borough Police Department was placed under arrest Friday evening, February 24th, 2012 for bribery related charges by the Pennsylvania State Police. The Somerset Borough Police Department greets this news with both shock and sadness.
Stickers designed to ward off Somerset Borough peddlers
Somerset Borough Mayor William Meyer and Manager Benedict G. Vinzani Jr. announces that the borough is providing "No Solicitors or Peddlers" stickers for use on borough residents' doors.
National Night Out 2011
WELCOME TO THE 28th ANNIVERSARY AND SOMERSET'S 16th ANNUAL SOMERSET NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY!
Coordinated by the Somerset Borough Police Department and the Village of Somerset.
Photos and More >>
The Somerset Borough Police family mourns the line-of-duty death of East Washington Borough Police Officer John David Dryer;
EOW: Monday, December 19, 2011. More information may be found at the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Arny truly takes a 'bite out of crime'
Since joining the force six years ago, Somerset Borough’s four-legged officer has proved he is not your average “K-9.” This year alone Arny has been used in 10 building searches, four vehicle searches, one tracking and one aggression to bring down someone resisting arrest.
Borough Police Launch Information Sharing Site
The public may now submit anonymous tips through the same website, where people and the news media will be able to read police activity reports.
Officer Appointed to Help Domestic Violence Victims
Domestic violence calls are a perennial law enforcement issue and Somerset Borough has a new tool to help stop the abuse.
Eight Trained To Inspect Child Safety Seats
There are now nine child passenger safety technicians in Somerset County to inspect car seats. “We’re thrilled to have a Safe Kids Chapter,” said Pam O’Kinsky, a local Citizens Advisory Board member for the Pennsylvania Department of Transpiration.
Accreditation
The Somerset Borough Police Department have been pursuing accreditation by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). On March 31, 2010, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Team’s recommendation and the department became accredited for a term of three years. Read More >>
National Night Out 2010
WELCOME TO THE 27th ANNIVERSARY AND SOMERSET'S 15th ANNUAL SOMERSET NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY!
Coordinated by the Somerset Borough Police Department and the Village of Somerset.
Photos and More >>
Troopers plan motorcycle rally to benefit Somerset Camp Cadet
Bikers will take to the road Sunday for Camp Cadet of Somerset County’s annual motorcycle run.
Somerset Town Hall Meeting Combats Underage Drinking
Shade-Central City senior Jeremy Nicholas shared stories with the public Wednesday about his adolescent drug and alcohol use.
Somerset Borough Police Earn Accreditation
Police in Somerset Borough are among a chosen few.
The department recently was awarded accredited status by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
It is the only police department in Somerset and Cambria counties to obtain accreditation, said Richard Hammon, accreditation project coordinator for the state Chiefs of Police Association in Harrisburg.
READ MORE >>
Certificate of Commendation
Officer David Deist was recently awarded a certificate of commendation and a commendation bar from the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Program for his work in traffic safety. Read More >>
Posted 08-05-09
Somerset County Boys & Girls Club
Members of the Torch Club of the Somerset County Boys & Girls Club recently presented OIC Steve Borosky (left) and OfficerEric Grus (right) with an appreciation poster they had made for the officers of the Somerset Borough Police Dept. The presentation was made during Police Memorial Week. Read More >>
Posted 05-26-09
National Night Out 2009
WELCOME TO THE 26th ANNIVERSARY AND SOMERSET’S 14th ANNUAL SOMERSET NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY!
Coordinated by the Somerset Borough Police Department and the Village of Somerset.
Photos and More >>
Posted 09-29-09
New Equipment Reduces Police Procedure Workload
Municipal police departments in Somerset County will now have a central booking station thanks to a $70,000 grant received by the Somerset Borough Police Department. Read More >>
Posted 09-29-08
Renovations Enhance Police Safety
Anyone who has previously been inside the Somerset Borough Police Department may not recognize it now. But the knocked-out walls and new construction are signs that the new state-of-the-art police department is well on its way to being finished. Read More >>
Posted 7-24-08
Police Targeting Speedy Drivers
The Somerset Borough Police Department is participating in a nationwide Smooth Operator program, which gives departments state funds to patrol for speeding and aggressive driving. Read More >>
Posted 09-29-08
Officers Receive Training on Motorcycles
A basic police motorcycle training class was held in Murrysville. The two week class enables officers to meet the annual recertification requirements. Read More >>
Posted 04-21-08
13th year proves lucky for Somerset Night Out 2008
Looming rain clouds and storm forecasts weren’t enough to dampen what event coordinator Charlie Santa said was the usual good turnout for Tuesday’s 13th annual borough event, which was held again at the Somerset Community Park. Read More >>
Posted 08-08-08
Vietnam Veterans Pays Motor Officer Tuition
The Somerset County Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. presented a $500.00 donation to the Borough to be used as payment of tuition for one of the Department’s motor officers to attend a Police Motorcycle Operator Certification Course. Read More >>
Posted 03-27-08
Local schools welcome Resource Officer
“Good morning,” Somerset Borough Police Officer Charlie Santa greeted students arriving at Maple Ridge elementary Wednesday morning.
“Give me five!” Children bumped fists with him. “Do you have a smile for me?” he said. “Get in there are learn something!” Read More >>
Posted 10-15-07
Crisis Intervention Training
As more local police officers prepare to participate in crisis intervention training, police and members of the mental health community said those trained are benefiting the region.
Read More >>
Posted 10-11-07
Why don't abuse witnesses speak up?
It's unusual that there were so many witnesses to the alleged abuse, but no one told police or child protection services about it, Somerset Police Chief Randy Cox said. Read More >>
Posted 12-24-07
Why don't abuse witnesses speak up?
It's unusual that there were so many witnesses to the alleged abuse, but no one told police or child protection services about it, Somerset Police Chief Randy Cox said. Read More >>
Posted 12-24-07
Reason to Work Together
We recently had two examples of good policing and how the public can help authorities. Read More>
Posted 11-28-07
Criminal cases decline in Somerset Borough
Driving through the borough – day or night – the police officers are hard to miss.
Read More >>
Posted 11-27-07
2007 Night Out Draws Crowd
Somerset's Night Out drew a nice crowd, even though a late afternoon rain threatened to derail the event Tuesday.
Somerset police ready for motorcycle patrol
Somerset Borough is joining a growing number of area municipalities instituting motorcycle patrols. And in Somerset’s case, taxpayers are getting a free ride for the first several months
Posted 08-31-06
County's new DUI task force unveiled
At a media event Friday in the Somerset County Office Building's rotunda, Somerset Borough police Chief Randy Cox explained that Somerset County DUI Task Force members will operate checkpoints regionally, using more than a dozen local officers to work the checkpoints.
Read More >>
Posted 08-31-06
Somerset Volunteers drink to help train police
Six people helped local police by having a few drinks Wednesday.
The volunteers consumed alcohol so the Somerset County DUI Task Force could practice administering field sobriety tests at the borough building. Read More>>
Posted 04-26-07
Respected Officer Dies
Clifford Pile, a veteran Somerset Borough police officer, died Saturday morning of cancer.
Read More >
Posted 02-13-07
Police helped rescue tenants
Beckner and Snyder heard the frantic screams of three people trapped on a rear balcony, grabbed a ladder from a nearby construction area and whisked the occupants and a cat to safety, police Chief Randy Cox said. Read More >>
Posted 12-21-06
Officers Receive Commendations
Somerset could have suffered a grotesque tragedy on October 8th, 2006, had it not been for the calm, collected and effective reaction of three Somerset Borough Police Officers.
Read More >>
Posted 11-13-06
Harold D. “Hoagie” Hoggard
77, Friedens, died Aug. 28, 2006, at Somerset Hospital.He was employed by Somerset Borough Police from 1959 through 1984 and was a patrol officer, motor officer and criminal investigator. Read More >>
Posted 08-28-06
Police monitor drivers for sobriety
SOMERSET -The state police and Somerset Borough Police Department, in an effort to curve drinking and driving, set up a DUI checkpoint Friday evening. Read More>>
Posted 01-17-06
Ride-along with Somerset police 
It’s a night in Somerset Borough, with Officers Michael Gray and David Deist on the job.
A report comes in about a possible assault on East Patriot Street. Gray, a five-year veteran, and Deist, a 22-year veteran, respond to the house, where one man was reported to have assaulted another.
Read More>>
Posted 6-25-06
Police discuss meth awareness 
Illegal methamphetamine production is devastating communities in the southwestern part of the United States, Somerset Borough Police Chief Randy Cox said. Read More >>
Posted 01-16-06
Somerset mayor swears in canine unit
The new members of the Somerset Borough Police Department both came to Monday's borough council meeting with their families. The mayor introduced them to the council, and the police chief gave their families certificates to honor the service they were about to begin providing Somerset.Read More >>
Posted 03-31-06
Arny makes first official drug bust
On his first official day on patrol, the Somerset Borough Police Department's drug dog was instrumental in a drug bust Wednesday afternoon. Read More >>
Posted 03-28-06
Lotto Scam
Counterfeit Somerset Trust Co. checks have been sent out to people with a letter saying they won the lottery. “There have not been any victims in the Somerset area or in the area of a Somerset Trust branch right now,” said Somerset Borough Police Officer Tony Novak. Read More >>
Posted 01-06-06
NEW ADDITIONS WILL HELP DEPARTMENT
With an expanded police force, borough police Chief Randy Cox said the department is sharpening its focus on traffic patrol and halting drug trafficking. “When you’re stretched too thin, you don’t have time to do the basics,” Cox said.
The numbers show the need for more officers: Year to date, the borough’s crime rate has increased 33 percent from 2004 figures through November. Read More >>
POLICE HELP KATRINA VICTIMS 
Officer Tony Novak and the Somerset Borough Police Department collected water for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sept 17.
Read More >>
K-9 Unit 
"The new staffing, including the K-9 unit, will help us get back to basics with more patrol and more officer presence,” said Somerset Borough Police Chief Randy Cox. “We're hoping this will free up officers and give them more time to engage in routine duties.” Officer Brian Harbart will be the handler of the K-9 unit. Read More >>
Posted 11-28-05DUI checkpoint sends message to motorists 
Four borough officers and four state troopers stopped all vehicles traveling northbound out of town, asking drivers for their license, registration and whether they had been drinking.Read More >>
Posted 11-28-05After 41 years in law enforcement, officer James Hahn has become a guiding force.
Hahn began his career as a Somerset police officer on May 1, 1970, and has served as an officer in charge for many years where he coordinated all operational aspects of the department. Read More >>
After 26 years with Somerset Borough Police Department
Clifford Pile, officer in charge, retired June 21.
"Cliff wore so many hats," Police Chief Randy Cox said. "I could go on and on with everything he did and I am probably forgetting things because he did so much." Read More >>
National Night Out 2005 
We would like to thank all the people that helped to make this a great success!
View pictures from the Night Out. Read More>>
Bears find interest in the Borough
Somerset Police have responded to a number of calls about a black bear (or bears) coming into town in the past few weeks. September 4, 2005. Read More>>
Chief Concerns 
He asked for it, and he got it. Even-keel borough police Chief Randy Cox said he was looking for a post to jolt him out of his comfort zone when he accepted his job a year ago. "I do my best work when I'm challenged," he said. Read More>>
Citation of Valor 
Beckner and Santa will each be awarded a citation for valor. In announcing the citations, Chief Randy Cox noted that, “Both officers risked their safety and their lives in attempting to rescue the child. They were not simply doing their jobs, they were going above and beyond the call of duty. Read More >>
Police Hold Fraud Seminar 
Somerset County resident recently lost $40,000 in a lottery scam, Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. John P. Rock said Friday at a seminar “Fraud and the Somerset Business” state police and Somerset Borough Police presented. Somerset area banking institutions sponsored the seminar hosted by Ruby Tuesday. Read More>>