Community security and public safety are everybody's business.

In townships like West Earl and boroughs like Akron, the task of law enforcement falls to the police department. But citizens, residents and community members also have a role to play.

"We want everyone to be law-abiding, and I think most people are," said Chief Eric Higgins, whose West Earl Township Police Department (WETPD) also patrols Akron. "When I'm asked, 'How can I help?' I tell people by reporting crime and suspicious activity. No one knows their neighborhoods better than the people who live there. If you see something suspicious, report it and report it immediately. It may be a piece to a bigger puzzle. If you classify it as suspicious activity, report it. That's what we're here for. I don't see it as a nuisance or a bother."

The WETPD takes a very serious and proactive approach to protecting and serving citizens in the township and Akron, partly through an engaging outreach program. In an attempt to foster community good will, make a challenging job just a little less difficult and enhance its overall effectiveness, the WETPD hosts and participates in a number of community-friendly events throughout the year, including Coffee with a Cop, Cupcakes with a Cop, blood drives, first responder meet-and-greets, National Night Out, Toys for Tots, school visits and Shop with a Cop. It also sponsors groups and Ice Cream Cool-offs with the Cops, as well as provides guided tours of its law enforcement facilities at 157 W. Metzler Road, Ephrata.

"To me, part of the job is to be a part of the community," said Higgins. "We make ourselves accessible. It's neat to get the community to get to know the police officers as people. I don't want police officers to be thought of as an occupying army. I want the community to trust us."

The WETPD is made up of 12 sworn police officers, one records clerk and two crossing guards.

"They're your neighbors," said Higgins of his colleagues. "They all live locally, in Lancaster County. I ask our officers, 'What's your motivation for being a police officer?' Then I tell them, 'If you're getting into it for any other reason than to help your fellow man, then you're getting into it for the wrong reasons.' They're very caring people."

"What this career as a police officer is like is a rollercoaster ride," continued Higgins. "There are days you get few or no calls. Then, out of nowhere, you get an emergency call, and it can be anything. It's one of the things that drew me to the career field. Every day is different."

West Earl Township and Akron Borough are home to a combined population of nearly 13,000 residents. The WETPD patrols 98 miles of roads between the two municipalities.

In 2024, WETPD responded to nearly 10,000 requests for service, including phone calls, finger printing, traffic stops, incidents of fraud, suspicious persons, traffic crashes, alarms and fires.

"West Earl is like what a lot of people think of a Lancaster County township, very rural," said Higgins. "Akron is more suburban. The communities are fabulous. They're very supportive of law enforcement. Lancaster County, overall, is very supportive of law enforcement."

A career cop, Higgins has been WETPD's chief for six years, after relocating here from New Jersey.

"I want the public to know us," said Higgins. "I want them to know that police officers are the good guys. I want them to hear about all the good we do. We have highly trained police officers. I want my officers to be visible in the community. When you see us, wave to us. We want to get to know you. We're here for the public. We provide valuable services."

For additional information, go to http://www.westearltwp.org/police.