In the Line of Fire - Episode 1: Municipal Police Departments & the Balance of Power: Who’s In Charge?

In the Line of Fire podcast, hosted by Lamb McErlane Partner Christopher Gerber, will address a wide range of issues that pertain to Pennsylvania local government, law enforcement and civil rights.

In this segment of In the Line of Fire, Chris, along with special guest, Retired Chief of Police Gerald 'Jerry' Simpson will discuss which officials are in charge of municipal police departments and how their roles impact public safety. 

Host Christopher P. Gerber is a partner at Lamb McErlane. He represents and advises public and private employers in connection with civil rights, labor and employment matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

For over 30 years, Chris has a strong record of success, representing and advising public and private employers with civil rights, labor and employment matters. He represents several police departments, municipalities and educational institutions, and advises townships, boroughs, regional police commissions and their staff on risk management, policy drafting and training. Direct phone: 610.701.3270,
Email: cgerber@lambmcerlane.com. Bio page. 

The first guest on the podcast is Retired Chief of Police Jerry Simpson. 

Chief Simpson is a highly accomplished law enforcement veteran with over four decades of experience.  He presently serves as the Testing and Consulting Manager for the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.  

He began his career in Pennsylvania, quickly becoming one of the state's youngest Chiefs of Police.  Following his retirement in 2022, Chief Simpson established Rarefied Leadership Group, LLC, a firm specializing in investigative, consulting, and interim executive services for municipalities and organizations.  Chief Simpson continues to serve as a Lead Instructor for the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academies in Pennsylvania and as a guest instructor for the International Law Enforcement Academy.

Summary:   

Here are a few unique facts about Pennsylvania municipal government and law enforcement:

·       PA has more local police departments than any state in the country. Around 1,000

 ·       PA is only second to Illinois in the total number of municipalities

 ·       As a consequence of this structure, Townships and Boroughs often struggle with limited financial resources to operate lawful and effective police departments

 Listen in to learn more!

The information provided during this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  You should not act upon any information provided, without seeking legal counsel.  Moreover, the views and opinions expressed today are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lamb McErlane.  

Lamb McErlane is a full service regional law firm based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Philadelphia, Newtown Square, Oxford, Cherry Hill, NJ and Wilmington, DE.   The firm has served the Philadelphia Region since 1971. www.lambmcerlane.com 

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