Braddock considers joining the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department

BRADDOCK, Pennsylvania (KDKA) – Braddock County Commissioners are making an appeal to the public to share their desire for their police force to be part of the Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department.

Council members have not yet voted on whether to join the joint department. Residents’ opinions vary, but the district manager seems to be leaning toward a merger.

A town hall meeting was held on Wednesday evening to discuss the possible merger.

The Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department consists of neighboring agencies from North Braddock, Rankin and East Pittsburgh and only started patrolling in April.

Previously, Braddock council members had voted against being part of the department, but that could change.

“We believe the commission’s offer will provide comprehensive coverage where it currently does not exist,” said Borough Manager Louis Ransom Jr. “We hope that will continue to have that impact in the future, so that we not only save money but also achieve a higher quality of policing.”

Braddock currently has only three part-time officers, while the regional police department currently has seven full-time officers.

Discussions about the merger are still ongoing and there is no information on when a vote might take place.