The Northumberland County Commissioners in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety are pleased to announce that two new vehicles have been placed into service to assist first responders in Northumberland County.

First, a fully stocked Crime Scene Unit is now available to aid the county’s local law enforcement in evidence collection. Additionally, police officers from participating agencies throughout the county will receive specialized evidence collection training as part of the project. The $16,656.00 project was funded by the East Central Pa. Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force (ECPCTTF) and is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.

This project provides funds to train 10 officers for a three week program in Crime Scene Photography and Crime Scene Investigation. Once these officers are trained, they will join 7 other county officers who have similar training. Goals of the project are to increase crime solving through more efficient evidence collection and to provide a regional approach to evidence collection. It is anticipated that the 17 trained officers will utilize the equipment and hone their skills at their local crime scenes which will prepare them in the event of a WMD or terrorist event in the County. Officers receiving the training will be able to assist each other at major incidents and may exercise in conjunction with County or Counter-Terrorism Task Force events. The equipment and officers may be called upon to assist other counties comprising the ECPCTTF. The project has the endorsement of the District Attorney.

The second vehicle placed into service is a 2008 Ford F-350 Squad truck which will serve as an Emergency Special Operations Response Vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with emergency equipment for CBRNE and hazardous material spill response. The unit also contains air monitoring equipment. The vehicle will be utilized by the Operations Officers and will be available to assist first responders throughout the County and the Task Force Region. The East Central Pa. Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force funded the $66,000.00 vehicle.