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Economic necessity

The Lycoming County Commissioners are not unanimous on a lot of issues.

But they seemed to be in public agreement the other day that police regionalization is closer to reality than ever in Lycoming County.

They noted the cost savings and efficiency that would come from sharing of police services among communities.

If that logic has a ring of familiarity to it, you may be a regular visitor to this space. We have been advocating police regionalization for the reasons stated above for more than two decades.

But, as Commissioner Rick Mirabito pointed out, the pushback against regionalization comes from those who feel a loss of local control. And when it comes to police regionalization, a loss of local control causes significant apprehension.

Some of that apprehension may soften as residents see how well police regionalization is working in parts of the county. Several years ago, Jersey Shore joined with Porter Township to form the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department. Neighboring Nippenose and Piatt townships have since been added to the agreement for police coverage of their communities.

Additionally Old Lycoming and Woodward townships are exploring the possibility of joining the Tiadaghton agreement.

The elephant in the room regarding police regionalization is the City of Williamsport, which Commissioner Tony Mussare said should be considered as part of any future police alliance.

While there is understandable resistance to an alliance of local police services that includes Williamsport and surrounding communities, we hope the next city mayor, as well as leaders throughout the Greater Williamsport Area, will make it a priority.

If a reason is needed for pursuing such an alliance, how about economic necessity?

The city’s budget challenges and limited tax base are well known and most of the surrounding communities are nearing similar circumstances.

All of them have an obligation to maintain public safety while meeting these fiscal challenges.

None of them are immune from crime or the need for police resources.

The time has come — if for no other reason than economic necessity — for the leadership throughout the Greater Williamsport Area to let go of the rope of parochialism and embrace a serious conversation about police regionalization.

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