The State Senate Law and Justice Committee and State House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections will hold a public hearing Thursday at Pennsylvania College of Technology to discuss state police coverage in the region.
The 1 p.m. hearing in the Mountain Laurel Room of the Professional Development Center Building will include testimony from law enforcement officials and a question-and-answer session with committee members to discuss the impact of moving the state police aviation unit from the Williamsport Regional Airport to the Hazleton Municipal Airport.
Up until this year state police maintained a presence at the airport, operating a fixed-wing airplane and helicopter there to provide aerial support to federal and local law enforcement agencies and assist in non-emergency situations.
Aircrafts provided search rescues, vehicle pursuits, criminal surveillance, crime and traffic scene photography, and transports.
Local officials claim they have not received good reasons as to why the aviation unit was closed.
The hearing will include testimony regarding the state police complement throughout the Northern Tier.
Fact Box
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Public hearing to discuss regional state police coverage (no public comment will be allowed).
WHEN: 1 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Mountain Laurel Room.
Once finalized, a copy of the agenda will be made available at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.
Because of time constraints, there will not be an opportunity for public comment.
