Seven Fields recently released a study on the Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department and potential policing solutions.

“The analysis of the data and information obtained throughout this study supports the recommendation that the consolidation of police services in its current condition is not in the best interest of the borough of Seven Fields,” the study stated.

In December 2022, borough council asked the state Governor’s Center for Local Government Services to perform a study on future police coverage due to increased strife between the two boroughs over coverage.

The study stated that its information would help the borough “make a decision that is in the best interest of the community."

Information in the study was collected and provided by local officials, GCLGS, the participating police departments and other government sources to determine the feasibility, nature and design of any consolidated police services.

Since the study’s inception, one part-time and two full-time officers have resigned, citing job security concerns and ongoing contract negotiations.

In early June, another officer departed, bringing the department down to two full-time officers, one of them Chief Joe McCombs.

The study made several recommendations or options for police services, including partnering with state police to provide coverage.

One of the borough’s options, according to the study, is to remain with the department, making significant changes to its charter.

“What was thought of as an equitable agreement, in time, may ‘favor’ one municipality or another or as municipalities grow and change, may not be as equitable as it once was,” the study read. “There are numerous reasons why regional/consolidated police departments disband and by no means is it the fault of any one person, municipality, or a negative reflection on the men and women of the department.”

The study acknowledged the staffing shortage in the department, citing 317 open shifts in 2022, “indicating that neither borough is being provided the staffing level expected.”

Additionally, the study noted a stipulation in the department’s charter requiring a dedicated police officer in Seven Fields from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day — which currently is unmet due to staffing limitations.

It said the lack of police coverage in Seven Fields ”is contradictory to the current agreement despite the increased cost for services."

The study found that costs incurred by each municipality have risen by 21.19% since 2019.

“In the same period, the cost incurred by the borough of Seven Fields increased 41.01% while the cost incurred by Evans City decreased by .45%,” the study read.

It also addressed an ongoing gridlock in the department’s governing regional commission after representatives of each borough failed to elect a commission president in January 2022.

“In that each municipality has an equal representation on the commission, there is no ‘tie-breaking’ provision or mechanism available to move business forward in the event of a tie vote,” the study stated.

There has been no further discussion regarding the issue, according to the study, and the commission repeatedly has failed to organize its required monthly meetings.

Proper staffing levels are needed to provide Seven Fields with the service coverage outlined in the agreement, the study read. “The commission will also need to work to further the betterment of the police department and work to solve issues noted in any evaluations conducted on the department.”

Since early spring, Seven Fields has been discussing a “new model for policing,” actively seeking partners for a new regional police force.

In a statement June 14, the borough identified two area police departments it was in final discussions with and stated it “intends to formalize a partnership with one of the agencies by mid-summer.”

The study identified three potential nearby departments for either contracted or regional policing agreements.

It said contracted or consolidated services could be explored with Adams Township, Cranberry Township and the Northern Regional Police Department in Allegheny County.

Adams Township shares its western border with the borough as well as Mars Road and Crider Road.

The study stated the Adams Township Police Department already provides contracted services to Valencia.

Cranberry Township, to the east, provided police services to the borough prior to its agreement with Evans City in 2013.

Cranberry shares a contiguous border with Seven Fields as well as several roads between them — including state Route 228.

The Northern Regional Police Department serves Pine, Richland and Marshall townships and Bradford Woods borough.

“Logistical issues may arise with the prosecution of offenses and having Northern Regional officers traveling a distance to and working with Butler County prosecutors,” the study read. “This can be easily accomplished but will need to be discussed with Northern Regional Police leadership.”

Additionally, the study outlined alternatives to a regional policing solution, including police coverage by state police and establishing a stand-alone municipal department.

While establishing a Seven Fields Police Department is an option, the study called it “cost prohibitive.”

“The borough does not appear to have the tax base to provide for full-time police coverage. A minimum of five full-time officers would be needed to provide 24/7 coverage,” the study read. “Given the population level of the borough, this may not be financially feasible and not even warranted due to low call for service volume.”

However, coverage by state police would be an effective option for transition into a regional agreement or long-term coverage, according to the study.

“Obtaining police coverage by the Pennsylvania state police provides for the fastest, easiest transition, provides for professional police service and proves for the most financially prudent solution,” the study read.

While the study warned of proposed future fees on state police coverage, it maintained the option is an efficient solution.

“Although the Pennsylvania State Police may not provide all of the ‘local services’ provided by a stand-alone or regional department ... the additional services that the state police can bring to the borough may be sufficient for the short-term or beyond,” the study read.

Seven Fields officials could not be reached for comment.

“In any of the above discussed options, communications with the current Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department need to occur as early as possible to outline the intent of the borough of Seven Fields,” the study stated.

Concerning the Seven Fields’ study and plans for a new regional police agreement, McCombs referenced a similar study conducted by Evans City Borough Council.

A further report on Evans City’s study will follow.