LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The possibility of another regional police department in our area is coming soon.
The Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief is in full support of regionalization for other departments looking to make the change.
He says it creates a more efficient, effective, and resourceful police force; one he now leads.
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Chief Michael Turner is still finding ways to utilize all the space in his police department.
In the basement are rooms with resources he's never had before in a police station. Upstairs, most of his leadership team even have their own offices.
"It is the best thing that has happened in this area by far."
That "best thing" happened in 2023, that's when the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department formed, combining five individual police departments -Exeter Township, Exeter Borough, West Pittston, West Wyoming, and Wyoming Borough.
Chief Turner says it's provided a stronger foundation for his guys and the nearly 20,000 residents they serve.
The regional department is now stacked with 19 officers who are equipped with more tools, assigned to specific areas of crime, and designated to serve in specific zoning areas across 37 square miles.
"It's a no-brainer. The end game is to provide the best services you can to your community. The best thing to see is when departments work together."
Some reports indicate Edwardsville Borough Police and Larksville Police Department could be coming together in the near future, and Chief Turner gives the idea the thumbs up.
But with change comes challenge, and Chief Turner says staying within the budget is the toughest challenge.
"There are challenges with everything, but we spend on what we need, not what we want".
Five stars for five communities, green and gold to represent a local school district, and the Water Street Bridge make up the patch ironed on Chief Turner's sleeve. A reminder of the new commitment to service.
"Regionalize, it's the answer to law enforcement."
We reached out to both Edwardsville and Larksville police departments, who told us the regionalization plan is in the early stages and couldn't release details.
Chief Turner says after securing more funding, he purchased body cameras, dash cameras, stun guns, and new vehicles.
