Seven Fields is seeking “potential partnerships for a new shared police force,” according to a statement released by borough council.

“It appears there’s a different model that’s going to be needed,” borough manager Tom Smith said Wednesday, March 29. “So, everything’s on the table, to be quite frank.”

Smith said the borough has sent a “scope of services” document to six nearby municipalities to explore these potential partnerships.

One full-time and two full-time officers resigned from the Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department earlier this month, citing conflict in the organization and job security as their main concerns.

“There’s so many issues that would need to be worked out between Evans City and Seven Fields, but we can’t continue with the lack of coverage,” Smith said. “Right now, we don’t have the adequate police services that the residents have grown accustomed to, and what they demand and expect.

“What we’re looking for is: We want (a partner) to respond to calls 24 hours, seven days a week; to engage in investigative, prosecutorial and court activities when necessary,” Smith said. “Routine patrol services that include traffic enforcement — that’s a very important issue to our residents.”

The borough has begun informally discussing the partnership with three of the six municipalities, Smith said.

“I’ve also sent out to a couple monthly incidents, cases filed,” he added. “That detailed information, so they understand what exactly we’re looking for and what they’re getting themselves into.”

According to the “scope of services” document sent to the municipalities, interested parties have until April 30 to submit a written proposal to Seven Fields. Proposals must include an “annual cost for services and a plan for providing patrol services and responding to calls,” with alternative pricing and plans being welcomed.

The document also clarifies that partnered police would “remain the employees of the department or municipality providing services.”

While discussions with the six municipalities have been informal, Smith said the borough is in the process of scheduling more-formal meetings next month.

“I’m anxious to see what we get at the end of April,” he said.

After receiving the proposals, Smith said, the real discussions would begin.

“I mean, this is going to be a kind of detailed process,” he explained, “because, obviously, we’re still involved with the regional police department.”

Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department's charter agreement does not expire until 2025. The “scope of services” document stated a new partnership could potentially begin as soon as “Jan. 1, 2024, or as may be negotiated.”

In the interim, the regional police commission approved the conditional hiring of two part-time officers earlier this week to assist with recent resignations.

Smith, also the administrator for the police commission, said they have an additional three interviews scheduled next week.

“Tuesday, I have one for part time,” he said. “Wednesday, there is one for part time and then one for full time.”

The borough’s release stated the safety of residents would remain their “utmost priority” as they navigate the transformation of the police department.

“I promise you: We’ll keep you, the media and the residents and everyone else apprised of the events as they arise,” Smith said.