09-04-2025
Joining forces — Lawrence Park, Wesleyville explore police merger
Wesleyville and Lawrence Park Police Departments have been serving East Erie County for over a hundred years, but the two departments could look a little different in the coming months.
On Tuesday evening, the two municipalities released a joint statement saying they are exploring plans to potentially combine the police departments under the name East County Regional Police Department.
'There is a lot of opportunity in doing this for saving money, and for getting strength in numbers between the two departments, and really shoring up the financial situation for both municipalities heading into the future,' said Marcus Jacobs, Wesleyville Borough manager.
Jacobs said the municipalities recently requested and received a 'police organization study' from the state, which offers feedback for reorganization based on the experiences of other police departments in the commonwealth.
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'The state is certainly encouraging us to do this because there are dozens and dozens and dozens of examples all across the state of communities doing this very thing, both with their police departments and fire departments. We're the first one in Erie County looking at this, but there is a lot for us to gain from moving forward,' said Jacobs.
On Monday night, Wesleyville and Lawrence Park officials met to discuss the findings of that study and create a 'joint steering committee' to guide the possible formation of a combined police department.
Nothing is set in stone quite yet with the merger between the two police stations, but one officer said her station is quite excited about the opportunity.
'I'm excited for it. I think that it will be good for both departments. We work closely together anyway, so I just think that it will help us to grow in the future,' said Emma Maille, patrol officer with the Wesleyville Police Department.
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The two stations are located under a mile from one another, with only a five-minute drive separating them.
Jacobs said the state study is only the early framework for the merger, and going forward, Lawrence Park and Wesleyville officials are asking the community for their input.
The merger is still far from a done deal.
If you would like to read the full Regional Police Study, you can do so here. If you would like to give feedback regarding the police merger, you can fill out a form here.
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