Lebanon County, W. Lebanon County regional police consider merger

The Lebanon County Regional Police Department (LCRPD) and the Western Lebanon County Regional Police Department (WLCRPD) will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the North Cornwall Township municipal building to discuss a potential merger.

LCRPD Chief Tim Knight explained that further regionalization is still in a preliminary phase. Departments and their governing commissions will determine next steps in part based on feedback received Tuesday.

WLCRPD formed in May 2024, followed by LCRPD at the start of 2025. The former serves Annville Township and Palmyra Borough, whereas the latter serves North Lebanon, North Cornwall, and West Lebanon townships.

Knight said the departments are considering a merger for the same reasons they regionalized in the first place: “a better service, a reduced budget, officer safety, and making the communities safer with quicker response times for emergencies.”

“It started with a conversation if we thought this could be beneficial,” said Knight. “Both regional departments see the benefits and success of our current departments. Both boards of commissioners are intelligent, professional, and open-minded enough to discuss whether this would be fiscally beneficial while providing better service to the communities.”

If a merger is pursued, governing commissions will need to consider pensions, union contracts, consolidating expenses, and reviewing the charter agreement. A feasibility study will not be necessary, Knight said.

“Our police officers are the backbone of our departments,” he added. “They are well-trained, professional, and do a great job for our residents. That will continue regardless of the outcome of this process.”

The meeting will be open to the public and no formal action on regionalization will be taken.