Sometimes they will investigate outbreaks of armed robberies. Other times, they'll go undercover to take down drug operations. And when they're not doing that, they will be out in the community, hearing the concerns of residents.
That's the job of Swatara Township's new High Enforcement Action Team, which took to the streets for its first official detail on Friday.
"It's an idea I've had going back five for or six years that I thought if I ever got the opportunity to bring to fruition, I would," said Swatara Township Police Chief Darrell Reider. "We have a very busy township and often times, our call volume doesn't allow for officers to do the proactive work that needs to be done."
That's where the HEAT program comes in.
Led by Lt. Tom Stauffer and Cpl. Tim Shatto, HEAT is made up of handpicked officers from the department's four platoons and criminal investigation division, as well as two Dauphin County probation and parole officers.
"It makes the team flexible so we can respond to a myriad of crimes," Shatto said.
You may notice the team when they're out in their distinctive HEAT uniforms as they "take the fight where the crime is," the chief said.
Often times, the crimes this team will target come from intelligence gathering, as well as from the complaints and concerns they hear from the community. There won't be an average night for HEAT, he said. On one detail, they may target high-theft areas. Another night they may focus on combating prostitution. HEAT details could involve undercover work, surveillance, intelligence gathering and patrols.
On their first night out Friday, Stauffer said HEAT focused on an area that's often the source of complaints of criminal activity -- some hotels and motels along Eisenhower Boulevard.
Their first outing resulted in 10 arrests for drug-related offenses and DUI. Two vehicles were also impounded as a result of the drug investigations, and several thousand dollars in suspected drug money was seized.
Fighting crime isn't their only job. The team will have a presence in the community, too, and plans are in the works for speaking engagements, appearances at local events, and more, said Reider said, who has been with the department for 29 years and was promoted to chief in August.
"We want the community to know this team is there and working for them," he added.
Future HEAT details are in the works.
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