Coatesville Police Department Mission

It is the mission of the City of Coatesville Police Department to serve and protect the persons and property within the City of Coatesville and to provide professional service to all who come within our care and jurisdiction. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and ethics and commit to enhancing the community’s quality of life through crime control and public safety while serving all people with fairness and respect. We will enforce all state and local laws in a professional and courteous manner, and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees. We believe our responsibility is to provide exceptional service, leadership, guidance and protection to our citizens, who in partnership with us, strive to make our community a safer and happier place to live. Our mission is to strengthen the trust and collaboration between community residents, businesses, and police officers for the preservation of peace, order, and safety.

History and Background

The Detective division is comprised of one Detective Sergeant, five detectives, and one patrol officer that serves a four month apprenticeship under the detective rotation program. This division is a specialized unit with the responsibility of handling those investigations that require special expertise. Members of this division are promoted from the ranks of the patrol division and receive extensive training in criminal investigations, evidence recovery, interviews and interrogations. Detectives are subject to be called in for duty 24 hours a day and required to perform after hours, on call duty on a seven day rotating schedule.

Values and Principles

  1. We believe it is the role of the police to resolve problems through the enforcement of laws, not through the imposition of judgment or punishment.
  2. We believe the police and the community share in the responsibility for crime control and public safety, and that the role of the police is defined by the community it serves.
  3. We subscribe to the principle that services will be delivered in a manner which preserves and upholds democratic values within our community.
  4. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality service, integrity and professionalism in everything we do, and our capability to achieve is determined by the diversity and quality of our work force.
  5. We accept the responsibility to react to criminal activity in a way to emphasize prevention and which is marked by vigorous law enforcement.
  6. We recognize and support the principle that the public has a right to be informed about police operations provided such information does not undermine any ongoing investigations or operations.
  7. We believe in working collaboratively with neighborhoods and community groups to better understand the nature of their problems and to develop meaningful and cooperative strategies to address them.
  8. We are committed to managing the public’s resources in the most efficient manner possible.
  9. We are committed to the belief that no person’s claim to dignity and civil rights is any less than another’s claim, and that neither age, social status, nor race, diminishes entitlement to decent treatment and respect.
  10. We believe our members to be the greatest and most valuable asset of the department, and the essential ingredient is to effectively and effectively accomplish the police mission, and that only through mutual respect, cooperation and teamwork can the community be best served.
  11. We believe in the equitable, fair and impartial application of laws and ordinances without regard to race, color, creed, sex, or station in life, and in treating all individuals with tolerance, compassion and the dignity we would expect if found in similar circumstances.
  12. We believe in the preservation of basic human rights and the maintenance of individual human dignity under the rule and spirit of law, which dictates that the ends do not always justify the means and that punishment, is not the function of the police.
  13. We believe in providing quality, empathetic, responsive and professional services to the citizens and visitors of our community, and we believe the citizens have endowed us with a public trust, a trust we will honor by holding ourselves to the highest standards of professional police conduct.
  14. We believe in proactive team management, open communication and employee input, and when decisions are made, we realize it is critical that everyone work together toward achieving departmental goals.
  15. We believe a written policy, including rules and regulations are necessary to guide each member of the department in the performance of their duties.
  16. We believe all actions taken by department personnel must be legal, professional, reasonable and consistent with the spirit and intent of this philosophy statement, the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the ordinances of the jurisdictions in which we serve.
  17. We believe that crime and other community nuisances are social ills that we, as police personnel, are incapable of conquering alone.
  18. We believe to serve in an impartial, courteous, responsive, and effective manner.
  19. We believe in maintaining an attitude that respects the dignity and rights of those we serve.
  20. We believe in facilitating open communications with the public.
  21. We believe in taking responsibility for our actions and are willing to admit our mistakes.
  22. We believe in professionalism that is the result of a clear sense of perspective and direction, strengthened by teamwork and innovation.
  23. We will remain enthusiastic and put empathy first and foremost in public and employee relations.
  24. We believe in promoting community involvement and cooperation.
  25. We will always be mindful that we are members of the public we serve.

Department Staff

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Call for General Questions: 610-384-2300
Fax: 610-384-1921

Programs and Initiatives

Through various programs and initiatives, our community policing approach fosters collaboration between the police and the community, ensuring that together we can tackle local issues, enhance safety, and build stronger relationships. Community policing is a collaborative approach that brings together the police and the community to identify and address local issues. By working together, we can improve the safety and livability of your neighborhood, tackling problems like crime, disorder, and fear. Building trust between the police and the community is crucial in maintaining effective policing, and we hold meetings with residents, business leaders, and organizations to foster positive relationships and reduce crime. Crime prevention is a top priority, and together, we can create a safer city to call home.

For more information, please reach out to Sergeant Rodger Ollis at rollis@coatesville.org.

The Coatesville Police Department has certified child safety seat technicians available to assist community members with seat usage and installation. Sergeant Rodger Ollis and Officer Joe Norcini can answer questions and check or install child safety seats.

The department also offers a free child safety seat loaner program, provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project. Seats are available to individuals in need (while supplies last). To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Sergeant Rodger Ollis at rollis@coatesville.org or (610) 384-2300.

Coatesville Police Department collaborates with Safe Kids Chester County, led by the Office of the District Attorney, Chester County. They offer programs like car-seat checkups, safety workshops, and sports clinics to prevent childhood injuries.

Child passenger restraint requirements vary based on age, weight, and height. Infants use rear-facing seats, toddlers use forward-facing seats, and older children use booster seats. It’s important to follow state laws and place children in the rear seat whenever possible. Ensure children are properly buckled up in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. Children aged 12 and under should always ride in the back seat. Avoid placing a rear-facing seat in the front seat or in front of an airbag, as it can be dangerous.

In Summary:

  1. Buckle all children ages 12 and under in the back seat. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an airbag.
  2. Buckle children in the middle of the back seat when possible, because it is the safest spot in the vehicle.
  3. Buckle children in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts on every trip, no matter how short.
  4. Set a good example by always using your seat belt.

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, aimed at promoting community involvement in crime prevention. Coatesville Police Department actively participates in NNO, rallying residents and officers to join forces and make a positive impact. This campaign, spanning across the United States and beyond, aims to raise awareness about crime and drug prevention, encourage support for local anti-crime initiatives, strengthen neighborhood unity, and send a clear message to criminals that our communities are united against crime. Join us in this celebration of safety and community by participating in various events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and safety demonstrations. Together, we can enhance community relations and make a difference in our city.

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event promoting community involvement in crime prevention. Coatesville Police actively participate, uniting residents and officers to make a positive impact. Join us in raising awareness about crime prevention, supporting local initiatives, strengthening neighborhood unity, and sending a clear message to criminals. Together, we celebrate safety and community through block parties, cookouts, parades, and safety demonstrations. Let’s enhance community relations and make a difference in our city.

Graffiti is considered criminal damage, involving illicit markings or paintings on surfaces. It can negatively impact communities through property attacks and urban decay. While the “Broken Windows” theory aims to prevent more serious crimes by addressing vandalism, zero tolerance policies have proven ineffective. To maintain order, the Police Department and community volunteers work together. Please report any graffiti or related issues for a more orderly environment. Remember, graffiti is against the law in Coatesville and punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. For more information, contact Sergeant Rodger Ollis at rollis@coatesville.org.

The Coatesville Police Law Enforcement Chaplain program promotes the well-being of both citizens and law enforcement. Chaplains support the community during crises, offer counseling, and act as a liaison in major incidents. They facilitate effective communication between the Police Department and the community.

Law enforcement chaplains provide religious guidance, counseling, and support to law enforcement personnel and their families, as well as victims and even families of offenders. They are trained to address the unique needs and challenges of the law enforcement community, offering a trustworthy and reassuring presence.

The Yellow Dot Program, led by Paoli Hospital, is an initiative in Chester County to assist drivers and emergency personnel during motor vehicle collisions or medical emergencies. Participants receive a Yellow Dot sticker and folder containing crucial medical information, enabling first responders to quickly access necessary details and provide appropriate care. This program, supported by local agencies and hospitals, aims to save lives and is available to individuals of all ages, with a focus on senior citizens. For more information, contact Lisa Eckenrode at 484-565-8328 or visit www.yellowdot.pa.gov or www.mainlinehealth.org/Trauma.

Coatesville Police Department, in partnership with Brandywine Health Foundation, Coatesville Youth Initiative, and Pennsylvania American Water Authority, has installed a Med Return Drug Collection Unit in the police department’s lobby. This 24/7 drop-box provides a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of unwanted or expired medications, free of charge and with no questions asked. The Medication Collection Program aims to remove medications from homes and ensure proper disposal. Remember to remove personal information from bottles or packages before disposing.