My law enforcement career began in 1998 as a part-time police officer in Freeport, PA. Working part-time as a police officer and full-time as a paramedic in western PA., I began seeking out greater opportunities. The former Penn Township Police Department offered me a full-time position as a police officer. A move to Lancaster County in 2000 was in order, and I worked for Penn Township until 2011. During my employment with Penn Township, I held the positions of Patrolman and Detective. In 2011, I was employed by the East Earl Township Police Department, and in 2014, I was hired by the Manheim Borough Police Department. In 2017, I was promoted to Sergeant.

I enjoy the challenges that come with my duties in law enforcement. Discovering new and better ways to help people is an important goal of mine. Critical thinking and reflection on my part are essential steps in this process so we can learn to be more proficient in accomplishing our tasks as a team. For me, the team includes all citizens and the Manheim Borough Police Department. Gaining knowledge each day is something I strive for. Some of the best knowledge gained comes from the citizens themselves.

Not only do I want to help people, but I want to know them better. I aim to learn and understand the citizens’ primary wants and needs. Expectations from the citizens and what they expect from our police department are vital to me. After seeing the influx of mental health, drug, and alcohol-related police incidents, I enrolled back in school. I attend Alvernia University, studying Criminal Justice Administration and Psychology.

As an agency, we will strive to respond to the needs and expectations of citizens with the highest integrity and professionalism. I aim to have open and impartial communications with the public. Honest, transparent feedback from our department is one of my goals. Progress and improvement never cease. We will always strive to do better every day.

– Chief Jason M. Riggle