South Delco News

Rep. Craig Williams of Delaware and Chester counties is advocating for state funding to equip smaller police forces with body cameras and License Plate Recognition cameras. These tools are aimed at enhancing criminal apprehension in high-traffic areas within the Commonwealth.

“While we have a robust criminal justice system in our two counties, we are surrounded by communities where there is a lack of (prosecutions),” said Williams, referring to Philadelphia and Wilmington, which border his district.

Williams has faced bureaucratic challenges in securing funding for Bethel Township's volunteer police officers' body cameras. “That somebody in Harrisburg doesn’t think there is enough crime going on in the 160th District and in Bethel is reprehensible,” he stated during a House Republican Policy Committee hearing on crime and public safety held at Concord Township Municipal Office Building.

The committee hearing allowed colleagues to observe the safety issues facing the 160th District, which includes major transportation routes like Route 1, Route 322, and Route 202 that facilitate criminal movement.

“There is a direct correlation between an increasing violent community and a lack of prosecuting crime,” Williams noted. He pointed out that Philadelphia experienced over 500 homicides last year alongside reluctance to prosecute gun possession by convicted felons.

Chris Eiserman, president of Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27, remarked on how criminals from Philadelphia impact Delaware County: “Every day you’re seeing people come in from Philadelphia and destroy the quality of life.”

Williams expressed solidarity with Bethel Police Chief John Egan: “I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with you to fight crime.” Egan emphasized the need for funding: “I’m just asking you...to find the money for the tools that you work with every day to suppress crime.”

The committee also heard from Liam N. Power of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Office of Advocacy and Reform and Professor Gregg Volz from Harcum College who advocated for diversionary programs for at-risk youth.

“Our country is in the middle of a devastating crime epidemic,” said Josh Kail, chairman of the House Policy Committee. He highlighted various approaches such as restorative justice to enhance community safety. Kail thanked Rep. Williams for hosting the forum along with testifiers who provided insights into these pressing issues.