Tarentum and Brackenridge in talks to consolidate police departments

Residents in Tarentum and Brackenridge could be covered by one police force if a potential department consolidation moves forward.

Officials are eyeing a merger to enhance coverage and improve services for the combined 7,500 residents of the two towns that sit side by side along the Allegheny River.

The idea is that the move would retain community policing.

Tarentum Chief William Vakulick said his officers work with those in Brackenridge every week and are familiar with the town.

“Many of us have worked in Brackenridge, and, if an agreement can be reached between the two boroughs, it would be great to work there regularly again,” he said.

Talks are in the early stage.

“Conversations have been positive so far,” Brackenridge Council President Tim Connelly said.

Brackenridge would benefit from additional manpower, more flexibility to meet hours of peak demand, enhanced training opportunities and improved policing technology, Connelly said.

Meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks to discuss possibilities.

The public will be invited to offer input when details are ironed out.

Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said there is a lot to unpack between two councils, two police unions, schedules and more.

But Tarentum has a robust administrative framework that can handle the change, he said.

Tarentum has a department of 10 officers; Brackenridge has three.

As initially proposed, Tarentum would absorb Brackenridge’s current officers and provide coverage for both municipalities.

“Something like this makes sense and is the neighborly thing to do,” Tarentum Mayor Bob Lang said.

The discussion was a natural evolution of the tragedy in January when Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire was killed on duty. Since then, Sgt. Michael Duffy was named officer in charge, and his force has received help from state police to cover shifts.

Duffy thanked both councils, as well as Vakulick and Boddorf, for working to maintain public safety in the region.

“I’m looking forward to strengthening ties between the communities,” he said.