Lansdale Police. Photo by James Short.
"It is always such an honor to share the great work our officers and staff have accomplished over the last year. I am excited to see our vision for 2025 to come to life."
Each year I have the honor of presenting to Lansdale Borough Council the annual State of the Police Report alongside Lansdale Police Chief Mike Trail. Below are some excerpts from this year’s speech and report.
Over the past decade, our Uniform Crime Reporting data shows a steady decline in both violent and property crimes—a total decrease of over 18%. This trend is the result of our deep commitment to community policing and proactive resident engagement. Our officers have built trust through school programs, expanded municipal partnerships, and neighborhood events, forging bonds that keep Lansdale safe and strengthen our community.
In 2024, our Lansdale Police Department demonstrated unwavering excellence by embracing new roles, earning well-deserved promotions, and welcoming fresh talent into our ranks. These changes reflect our commitment to a modern, responsive, and inclusive department. One of our most inspiring initiatives is the Co-Responder Mental Health Program, launched in late 2023, which has supported over 275 community members—showing that true public safety blends care with robust law enforcement.
I am also proud to highlight a pivotal development in our ongoing efforts: the launch of our rapid rehousing facility at 1107 East Main Street. Not long ago, many of our neighbors were forced to sleep in parks or shelter in gazebos. Thanks to our commitment to community development and Montgomery County’s support, this facility now provides a transitional space that offers a secure pathway to stable, long-term housing. While not permanent, it is a critical stepping stone for those rebuilding their lives and enhances the overall safety and resilience of Lansdale.
Looking ahead to 2025, our vision is to build on these successes and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. With over 1,500 hours of professional training completed, we are firmly committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Imagine a Lansdale where our skies are as connected as our streets; in 2025, we hope to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver real-time aerial footage. These drones will help us assess complex crime scenes, manage large events safely, and respond to emergencies with speed—reinforcing our commitment to protecting Lansdale while upholding the highest standards of privacy and ethics.
Moreover, drones will serve as a powerful tool for transparency and community engagement, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and community trust.
Our UCR data confirms that our focus on community policing and development has made a measurable difference. As we move into 2025, let every challenge be an opportunity to build trust, every interaction a chance to strengthen our bonds, and every success a shared victory.
Thank you for your ongoing support, trust, and commitment. Together, we will continue to build a Lansdale that is safe, resilient, and united place we are all proud to call home.
It is always such an honor to share the great work our officers and staff have accomplished over the last year. I am excited to see our vision for 2025 to come to life. If achieved, these strides will exemplify a community where compassion meets cutting-edge progress—an inspiring model for other communities striving to create resilient, united home for all.
Mayor Herbert
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)
