Hughesville Borough Council approved a police contract with Picture Rocks at its recent meeting but only after municipal officials of its neighboring community demanded answers over recent police actions.

The sometimes-heated discussion involved why Hughesville Police drove through Picture Rocks streets on at least one evening with vehicle lights flashing.

Picture Rocks Councilman Matthew Charles said such actions had the “whole town in an uproar.”

He went as far as claiming police specifically targeted his home in Picture Rocks flashing vehicle lights.

“It’s a childish act. It’s 100% wrong,” he said angrily.

Picture Rocks is without its own police department and contracts with Hughesville for police protection. The most recent agreement signed by the two communities calls for Picture Rocks to pay Hughesville $32,556 yearly.

Picture Rocks Councilwoman Erin Shelinski told Hughesville officials she welcomes police visibility in her community but questioned the flashing lights.

“It’s about presence in the borough. Just be present,” she said.

Charles called the police actions “a mockery.”

Hughesville Mayor Richard Smith and Police Chief Rod Smith responded that that was not the intent.

The chief apologized, noting that the cruiser lights should remain on without flashing.

It’s common practice, he said, for police to show their presence in communities with lights of vehicles on “steady.”

What happened, the chief later insisted, was not “a malicious thing.”

“The blinking lights got everyone all riled up,” he said.

Borough Councilman Dan Cale said the matter needs to be further discussed between the two communities to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

He also noted that the contract between the two communities needs to be clear.

Added Hughesville Borough Council President Andrew Mook, “They think they should receive 100% coverage for the money they pay.”