The New Era Of Safety: 5 Major Updates From The Manheim Township Police Department In 2025
The Manheim Township Police Department (MTPD) has entered a new era of leadership and operational focus, making 2025 a pivotal year for public safety in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This deep dive into the department’s most recent activities, leadership changes, and community programs provides the most current and essential information for residents and stakeholders as of December 23, 2025.
The MTPD continues its mission to reduce crime and enhance public well-being, but recent high-profile appointments and strategic initiatives signal a clear commitment to advanced training, modern technology, and deep community engagement. The following five key updates are driving the department's strategy for the coming years.
The New Leadership Profile: Chief Brian Freysz and Key Personnel
The most significant and recent update for the Manheim Township Police Department is the appointment of its new full-time Chief of Police. The transition, overseen by the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners, marks a new chapter for the department’s strategic direction.
- Name: Brian E. Freysz
- Current Position: Chief of Police, Manheim Township Police Department (MTPD)
- Appointment Date: November 11, 2025
- Former Role: Lieutenant, Administrative Services, and Interim Chief of Police
- Appointment Authority: Manheim Township Board of Commissioners
- Predecessor: Chief Freysz officially replaced former Chief Duane Fisher, who departed the department in June.
- Leadership Goal: To continue the department's commitment to enhancing services for Manheim Township residents, as outlined in the 2024 and 2025 budget initiatives.
Chief Freysz’s promotion highlights a focus on internal development and continuity. This leadership shift is supported by recent promotions across the department’s ranks, ensuring a strong chain of command and experienced personnel in critical roles. Key leadership and personnel include:
- Lieutenant Michael Piacentino: Serves in Administrative Services.
- Sergeant Ayers: Promoted in 2024 and assigned to the 1st Platoon.
- Corporal Nathan Daggett: A Lancaster County native who received a recent promotion.
- Corporal Cody Lewis: A recently promoted Corporal.
- New Officers: The department welcomed new officers Jacob Hicks and Timothy Stauffer, increasing the MTPD’s operational capacity.
Strategic Focus on Advanced Training and Modern Technology
The Manheim Township Police Department is actively seeking to maintain high standards through professional accreditation and enhanced resource allocation. The department is pursuing Accreditation Through PLEAC (Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission), signifying a commitment to best practices and professional excellence.
A significant driver of this modernization is the Manheim Township Police Foundation (MTPF). The Foundation plays a vital role in bridging funding gaps by providing financial support for programs that promote goodwill and enhance officer capabilities.
The MTPF’s primary focus is to:
- Provide enhanced training through advanced training programs.
- Support the acquisition of updated technology.
- Fund modern tools to ensure officers can operate safely and effectively within the community.
This commitment to technology and training is essential for addressing the complexities of modern policing, including advanced investigative techniques and community crisis intervention. For instance, the MTPD participates in the PA Crisis Intervention Team Training and Technical Assistance Center, a critical program for violence prevention and crisis response.
Community-Centric Policing Initiatives and Outreach
One of the MTPD's core philosophies is community policing, which focuses on building trust and collaboration with residents. The department leverages several highly successful, recurring programs to foster positive interactions and address local safety concerns proactively. These community involvement events are a cornerstone of the MTPD's operational strategy.
Key Community Programs:
- Chill With a Cop: An informal setting designed to allow residents, particularly youth, to interact with officers in a relaxed environment.
- Coffee With a Cop: Provides an open forum for dialogue between officers and community members over a cup of coffee.
- National Night Out: An annual event that strengthens the relationship between police and the community, often exploring the dynamic of police-community engagement.
- Car Seat Checks: A public safety service ensuring child safety seats are correctly installed, reducing injury risk.
- Bicycle Registration: A crime prevention measure that helps track and recover stolen bicycles.
- Drug Take Back Program: A crucial public health initiative for the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medication.
These initiatives, along with services like criminal and non-criminal fingerprinting, demonstrate the MTPD’s dedication to being a resource beyond emergency response, focusing on prevention and goodwill.
Recent Crime Trends and Law Enforcement Activity
Manheim Township, situated in Lancaster County, generally maintains favorable crime rate rankings compared to similar areas. For instance, the township was ranked well below the national average for specific violent crimes in 2024.
However, recent activity logs indicate that the department remains vigilant in addressing property crimes and other offenses. The MTPD utilizes the CRIMEWATCH Network to keep the public informed about recent incidents, cases, warrants, and arrests.
Examples of recent law enforcement activity in December 2025 include arrests for:
- Retail Theft: An arrest was made on December 19, 2025, for an incident that occurred earlier in the month at Oregon Dairy.
- Theft By Unlawful Taking: An arrest was reported on December 22, 2025, related to an incident at George J. Grove & Sons, Inc.
- Altered/Forged Documents: Another arrest in December 2025 was related to an incident at a First National Bank location.
These detailed public reports underscore the MTPD's transparency and ongoing efforts to combat various forms of crime, from financial fraud to theft, ensuring the safety of local businesses and residents.
Future Outlook: Promotions and Departmental Growth
The Manheim Township Police Department is not resting on its recent successes but is actively planning for future growth and professional development. This forward-thinking approach is critical for maintaining an effective law enforcement presence in a growing community.
In a clear signal of their commitment to internal advancement, the department has announced a Civil Service Promotional Exam for the rank of Corporal, scheduled to begin in the first week of September 2025. This process ensures that qualified, experienced officers are continually moving into leadership positions, strengthening the entire organizational structure.
With Chief Freysz at the helm, a robust foundation supporting advanced resources, and a renewed emphasis on community engagement programs like "Chill With a Cop" and "Coffee With a Cop," the MTPD is well-positioned to serve Manheim Township and Lancaster County for years to come. The department's commitment to transparency, professional standards, and community partnership solidifies its role as a proactive and modern police force.
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