Emergency Services Security Division

55 East Court Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

Administration Building 1st Floor

(215) 348-6095

Security Division | Home Page

Bucks County.gov

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, located in the eastern part of the state, is known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities. With a population of over 600,000 residents, it is one of the most populous counties in Pennsylvania. The county seat is Doylestown, a charming town that boasts a vibrant arts scene and a bustling downtown area. Bucks County is also home to several other notable towns and boroughs, including Newtown, Yardley, and New Hope, each offering its own unique charm and character. The county is renowned for its beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, lush farmland, and winding rivers. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. In addition to its natural beauty, Bucks County is steeped in history, with numerous historic sites and landmarks, including Washington Crossing Historic Park, where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. The county is also home to several museums and cultural institutions, such as the Mercer Museum and the James A. Michener Art Museum, which showcase the region's rich history and artistic heritage. With its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offers something for everyone.

Mission

The Bucks County Security Department is dedicated to delivering professional and effective services, with a focus on fairness and ethics. Our mission is to prevent crime and improve the quality of work and life for County employees and visitors across all County properties and buildings. As part of the Bucks County Emergency Services Division, our Security Department maintains a 24-hour presence at several County properties.

Peace Officer

September 2019 - Present

"Sworn in by the President Judge of the County of Bucks"

The Peace Officer is responsible for screening visitors for weapons and prohibited items using a Garret Wand and Walkthrough Metal detector. They also inform visitors of the county's search policies. Additionally, they patrol the county's properties on foot and in a vehicle. In case of emergencies, the Peace Officer responds to 911 calls, takes incident reports via CODY Express, and interviews witnesses while taking proper field notes. Communication is also a crucial aspect of their job, as they relay important information to other officers, supervisors, and county workers via telephone, radio, or email. The Peace Officer also provides assistance to county employees and other agencies upon request, including first-aid, emergency transportation, or other aid. To stay current, the Peace Officer participates in ongoing training programs and twice-yearly firearms qualifications, including training on active shooter response and crisis intervention. They must have knowledge of the use of force continuum and case law related to the use of force. The Peace Officer must be able to work independently and as part of a team, think critically, make sound decisions under pressure, and handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

I am currently employed by the County of Bucks as a Full-time Peace Officer for the Security division. This position falls under the category of quasi security and law enforcement, as it requires me to fulfill the responsibilities of both a Security Officer and a Sworn in Law Enforcement Officer.

Equipment & Training

All Peace Officers are sworn in as Law Enforcement Officers by the President Judge of the County of Bucks' They are expected to be equipped and trained just like any other Law Enforcement Officer.

Peace Officers have a responsibility to stay updated on legal changes and receive training on their equipment. Proficiency in Use of Force is mandatory, as is awareness of individuals' constitutional rights. These requirements are in accordance with the MPOETC standard.+

The Peace Officer must undergo proficient training and qualification in handling a hand gun, shotgun, and patrol rifle. They are expected to have knowledge in deploying the CEW "Conducted Energy Weapon," using the ASP Baton, making lawful arrests on county property, and properly applying handcuffs.

Peace Officers are required to arrive at work in a clean-shaven state, wearing their complete uniform and equipped with a Kevlar vest, duty belt, and radio prior to the commencement of their shift. At the start of each shift, a Sergeant performs a roll call and discusses any matters relevant to the current shift.

The Security Division is comprised of three rotating shifts: 0700-1500, 1500-2300, and 2300-0700, with an Auxiliary shift in between. Officers are responsible for carrying out their job duties and responding to any emergencies that arise in the County through the Bucks County Radio Room (BCRR).

The chain of command within our organization consists of the Director of Emergency Services, followed by the Director of Law Enforcement and Safety. Under them, we have a Lieutenant, two Sergeants, and several Field Training Officers and regular Peace Officers. It is crucial that each Officer respects the chain of command and communicates relevant information in the correct order.

Skills & Knowledge Needed: Peace Officer (PO)

First Responder / Incident Response
Active Shooter Response
Security Operations
Vigilance
Situational Awareness
Radio Usage / 911 / BCRR
CPR / AED
First AID
Strong Oral Communication

Crisis Intervention (CIT)
Defensive Tactics
Use of Force Continuum / Fire Arms / ECW / ASP Baton / Physical Control / Handcuffs
Narcan / Naloxone
Report Writing / CODY Express
Verbal De-Escalation
Keyboarding / Typing / WPM
Interpersonal Skills

Investigations
Professional Driving-Emergency Vehicle Operator Course "EVOC"
Microsoft Applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint & Excel)
Occupational Safety (OSHA)
Interviewing
Close Circuit Televisions (CCTV)
Professional Telephone Usage
Patrol (Mobile & Foot)
Evidence Gathering / Chain of Custody
Effective Note-taking

Taser x26p cew

Each Peace Officer is equipped with a Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) as part of their standard equipment. The CEW is a non-lethal weapon that delivers an electrical charge to temporarily incapacitate individuals. It is designed to be used as a tool to gain control of potentially dangerous situations while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death. The CEW is an effective and widely used tool in law enforcement, providing officers with a means to safely subdue suspects and protect themselves and others.

ASP Tactical Baton & Handcuffs

Peace Officers are equipped with ASP Batons for self-defense purposes. Additionally, they have handcuffs at their disposal to facilitate arrests when necessary.

2111202218.27.pdf

MPOETC Handgun Qualification

Peace Officers are mandated to meet the Municipal Police Officer Education Training Commission Standards for handgun qualification.

CIT Training | Bucks County, PA

Bucks County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

I attended the 40-hour Bucks County Crisis Intervention Team training course at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Facility from Monday, November 27th, through Friday, December 1st.

The CIT program provides an overview of various topics, including introductions, success stories, PA Mental Health Law and 302s, VR scenarios, neurocognitive issues, personality disorders, veterans, suicide by cop, stress management, autism, hoarding, the family perspective, PTSD, de-escalation techniques, and practical skill and practice scenarios.

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