about - law enforcement

In 2003, the City Administration, led by Mayor James Delgrosso, recognized the need for a more formalized law enforcement presence. The Bethlehem Authority Board created the position of "Special Police Officer" (the Officer) who has full police powers under the PA Municipal Authorities Act of 1935 and reports to the Authority's Executive Director and Board. 

The Officer initiates prosecutions on those found to be in violation of State laws in acts occurring on the watershed lands owned by the Bethlehem Authority. Professional working relationships were developed with the various state and local agencies, such as the PA Game Commission (PGC), http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pgc/9106, ,which also patrols the watershed lands since the property is enrolled in the PGC's Public Access Program. The Officer has developed many citizen contacts that provide ongoing information to the officer on activities occurring in and around the watershed properties.

Since 2012, several part time Patrol Officers have been hired to assist in patrolling the 22,000 + acre property. Long Time Officer-In-Charge, Dan Meixell, retired in January of 2021 after almost 18 years of dedicated service to the Authority and its watershed property.  Special Officer Eric Yeakel took Officer's Meixell's place as the Authority’s Full Time Officer-In-Charge and along with four other Part Time Police Officers, continues patrolling the vast and remote areas of the watershed to protect this highly valuable asset for the Authority, the City and its 120,000 water customers.

Citizens are strongly advised to report any suspicious activity.
 

For emergencies please call 911.
To contact the Authority Officer by phone call (610) 972-3365.