Police

House Bill 542 was signed into law on October 30, 2017. Under this new PA state law, the Fireworks Act of 1939 was repealed and replaced in its entirety.

Q: Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?

A: Consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously available to out-of-state residents only.

“Display Fireworks”, which are classified as (including) salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials and professional grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions are still only allowed to be used by professionals with a Permit.

Q: Who can purchase fireworks?

A:  Anyone over 18 years of age can purchase them

Q:  What are the restrictions of where they can be used?

A:  They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner;

They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building;

They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building;

They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure;

They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

School Bus Safety:

1. When a school bus operator activates the red signal and STOP sign arm, a driver of a vehicle, either approaching from the opposite direction or behind the school bus must stop at least 10 feet from the bus, remained stopped until the red lights are turned off.
2. When a school bus operator activates the yellow lights of the school bus he is notifying the driver that a Stop to either pick up or let off children will occur within 100 to 300 feet. Drivers observing the yellow flashing lights should proceed with caution and only proceed pass the bus if traveling in the opposite direction.
3. Remember the utmost caution must be used when a bus is picking up or unloading children.  THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN MUST BE YOUR FIRST CONSIDERATION.
4. VIOLATIONS OF THE RED SIGNAL/STOP ARM AT A SCHOOL BUS CARRIES A HEAVY PENALTY. FIVE (5) POINTS ON YOUR LICENSE, A HEFTY FINE AND A 60 DAY SUSPENSION OF YOUR LICENSE.

Move Over Law:

Read more about Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law here. Vehicle Code 4302(a)(3) requires drivers to display lighted headlamps any time the vehicle’s windshield wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to precipitation or atmospheric moisture, including rain, snow, sleet or mist.

On November 9, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett signed legislation that bans texting while driving on Pennsylvania roads. The law, which makes texting while driving a primary offense carrying a $50 fine, takes effect 120 calendar days from November 9th, 2011.

“Senate Bill 314 aims to put a halt to texting from behind the wheel and is intended to save lives,” Corbett said during a bill-signing event in suburban Harrisburg. “No text message is worth a human life. The message of this legislation is drive now and text later.”

The law specifically does the following:

• Prohibits as a primary offense all drivers from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based message.
• Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
• Institutes a $50 fine for convictions under this section.
• Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.

Warwick Police officers will provide fingerprinting services to those civilians who request it. The service will be provided for the fee specified in the Fee Schedule as approved by the Warwick Township Board of Supervisors. Officers will provide this service as time allows, Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3:30PM. Appointments will not be accepted.

Police Department civilian staff will handle collection of the payment. Payment will only be accepted in cash, check (payable to Warwick Township) or credit card. Credit card payment will require an additional 3% surcharge.

The fees for fingerprinting are listed below:

• $5.00 per card for those who live in Warwick Township.
• $10.00 per card for those who do not live in Warwick Township.

Proper identification may be required to establish residency.

Fingerprints should be done on cards supplied by the requester. If the requester does not have cards, the Police Department can supply a Pennsylvania State Police “Applicant Card.” The fee for fingerprinting applies whether the requester or Police Department supplies the cards.

Effective March 1999, Pennsylvania State Law regulates false alarm activations received by a police department, fire department or EMS agency from a residence or business. It is a violation of the Pennsylvania State Law to cause or permit more than three (3) false alarms in a twelve-month period. Persons who cause or permit more than three (3) false alarms in a twelve-month period commit a summary offense and shall upon conviction be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300.) plus costs.

Although the law was passed in March of 1999, the police department has not enforced this law until August 1, 1999. Alarms received after August 1, 1999 will be considered under this law.

A false alarm is defined as an alarm signal necessitating response by the police, fire or EMS agency were an emergency situation does not exist. An alarm that has been activated by an external source that is beyond the reasonable control of the subscriber shall not be considered false.

A letter from the Community Policing Unit of the Warwick Township Police Department will be sent out for every false alarm. After the 4th alarm is received, the matter will be turned over to our administration for further action.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 215-343-6102.

CRIME PREVENTION TIP LINE 215-491-3525

Leave an anonymous message regarding criminal activity that has occurred in Warwick Township. Please keep in mind that this phone line is not for immediate police response. If you have an emergency that requires immediate response, please call 9-1-1. It would be helpful (but not required) if you leave your name and phone number in case more information is needed for the investigation. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.

Central Bucks Police agencies are seeking volunteers from the community to participate in a diversionary program for first time adult offenders who commit non-violent crimes. The program allows the accused to see the light, teaches them responsibility for their actions, and brings structure to their lives before it is too late.

What are diversionary panels?

A diversionary panel allows a first time offender the option to appear before a panel of community volunteers rather than entering the court system. The members of the panel will assume the decision making process. The outcomes are simple; make the offender understand the seriousness of their actions and the effect the crime has on themselves, the community, the victim, and their families. The goal is to prevent further criminal activity and rehabilitate the offender.

What is purpose of diversionary panels?

Diversionary panels offer a second chance for first time offenders that have a lapse in judgment. For example, a young adult who makes an immature decision to shoplift could be referred to the diversionary panel. A conviction for shoplifting can result in significant consequences, such as a bar to certain types of employment or admission into college institutions. The offender must admit their involvement in the offense and have no prior arrests to qualify. Diversionary panels allow the Court system to be more efficient, reduce tax costs, and allow the offender to return to the community without a criminal record.

How do I volunteer?

The requirements to volunteer consist of the following: (1) must reside within Central Bucks School District for one year; (2) must be at least 21 years of age; (3) must complete an application; (4) must pass criminal/child background clearances; and (5) must volunteer your time for at least 1 year.

After the application phase there is a mandatory training which consists of six (6) classes. Each panel member would then be sworn in by one of our County Judges. Typically, the panel meets anywhere from once to twice a month. Our panel members have a diverse background which makes the program so successful.

Who do I contact?

For more information or to apply for a volunteer position, please contact Warwick Township Police Sergeant Aaron Richwine.