In the current climate of law enforcement, agencies face an unprecedented convergence of operational challenges that include rising mental health crises, rigorous policy scrutiny, and the ever-present threat of litigation. For the Derry Township Police Department (DTPD), maintaining the safety of Hershey, PA, requires more than traditional patrol tactics. It demands a sophisticated, outcome-focused "Relational Policing" model that prioritizes de-escalation and the strategic integration of Non-Lethal Response (NLR) technologies.
Violent crime in Hershey, PA, accounts for only about 3% of total arrests. The vast majority of calls relate to medical assists, traffic safety, disabled vehicles, and "Public Service" without criminal charges, so the DTPD responds accordingly.
Specifically, the traditional "force continuum" often leaves a critical gap between verbal commands and pain-compliance tools. These "hands-on" encounters are the primary drivers of officer injuries and excessive force litigation.
Statistically, research indicates that physical force (such as wrestling, strikes, or takedowns) results in officer injuries in approximately 10% to 20% of incidents, and subject injuries in up to 40% of cases. This is a risk profile that significantly spikes during the gap between verbal commands and using tools like Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs).
When current tools rely on pain compliance, they inherently increase the physiological arousal of the subject, often escalating a situation. For city attorneys and insurance providers, this gap represents a significant liability profile. In addition, mental health-related calls can account for up to 30% of police interactions. In these scenarios, the objective is clinical resolution and safe containment, not combat.
With these factors in mind, the DTPD recognizes that traditional interventions can be counterproductive when dealing with vulnerable populations. This is why they have shifted toward an "availability-first" strategy with standards mandated by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). This involves “maintaining a high level of visibility,” “response readiness” and “early, non-confrontational intervention.”
However, when verbal techniques reach their limit, the department requires a bridge with a tool that provides tactical control without the physical trauma of traditional force.
To address these field issues, the DTPD has integrated the BolaWrap 150® into its operational toolkit. This device allows officers to safely restrain a subject from a distance with a Kevlar tether, avoiding the need for electronic shock. This creates a moment for officers to de-escalate a situation quickly and gain control safely with measurable outcomes that include reductions in injuries and litigation.
Hershey is categorized as "very safe” by over 86% of residents and ranked 73% safer than other cities, indicating the success of a non-lethal response approach is statistically evident.
By building relationships with the local community and closing the gap between words and force, the DTPD ensures that the mission of public safety is met with the highest standard of professional accountability. This operational shift reduces exposure to risk while ensuring that officers return home safe and the community remains secure. This is the future of sustainable, credible law enforcement.
Learn more about non-lethal response here.