Department Services:

Accidents-  The Public Safety Department is the primary investigating agency for vehicular collisions on HFCA owned properties. State Police investigate crashes which involve a criminal act, death, or serious injury.

Alarm Response- Residents are required to register their alarms with Public Safety

Animals-

·        Wildlife- Patrol has means to scare away nuisance bears, raccoons, etc.  Patrol will “put-down" severely injured wildlife and assist residents in attempting to remove wildlife from living areas of their home.

·        Dogs-    Patrol will pick-up stray dogs if it can be done safely and secure them up to 24 hours until the owner is located or they are picked up by the Dog Warden or ASPCA.      Patrol Officers enforce HFCA and State Dog Laws concerning licensing and dogs running at large.

·        Cats-  Currently there are no provisions for assisting with stray cats or codes relating to ownership of cats

Code Enforcement- Public Safety is responsible for enforcement of virtually all HFCA codes and bylaws except those relating to building/construction

Disabled Vehicles-  Public Safety will assist residents move their disabled vehicle to as safe a location as possible given existing conditions.  Public Safety WILL NOT tow or attempt  to repair a vehicle.  At the discretion of the on-duty supervisor, Patrol may transport a resident to seek help or obtain gasoline, oil, etc.

Emergency Medical Care- Patrol Responds to all emergency medical calls within Hemlock Farms and provides care until relieved by Fire and Rescue.  Patrol Vehicles and many HFCA facilities are equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators

House Checks- Public Safety maintains a confidential list of Empty Houses and emergency contacts for snowbirds and others who will be away for a long length of time.  Perimeter checks of houses on this list will be conducted approximately once a week.  Private services are available to perform more frequent or interior checks.        

House Numbering-  Public Safety and/or Public Works staff install the house numbers on newly constructed residences and make frequent checks to ensure that residents maintain these house numbers.  This helps ensure that emergency crews will be able to quickly locate your residence in case of an emergency.

Law Enforcement-

·        CRIMES:  Public Safety should be notified for all crimes which occur within Hemlock Farms regardless of how “minor” they may seem.  More serious offenses should also be reported to the Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove.  Crimes which occur away from Hemlock Farms should also be reported if they could affect Hemlock Farms.  For example, if a Member’s vehicle is stolen out of the area but displays a HFCA sticker and/or gate card, Public Safety should be notified so the items can be deactivated.  SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Public Safety should be notified for all suspicious circumstances within Hemlock Farms.  An officer will be dispatched to investigate the situation. More serious offenses should also be reported to the Pennsylvania State Police. 

·        DOMESTIC DISPUTES:  Public Safety Officers will respond along with State Police to reports of “active” domestic disputes.   Public Safety Officers will arrest, or detain for State Police, anyone who is committing a felony or causing a clear and present danger to themselves or another party.  Public Safety should be notified as to the existence of Protection from Abuse Orders so the defendant’s gate card, etc. can be deactivated for the period of time specified by the Court.

·        UNDERAGE DRINKING:  Many Public Safety Patrol Staff Members are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and anyone under the age of 21 caught possessing, transporting, consuming, or having consumed an Alcoholic Beverage will be cited.  A first Offense is punishable by a fine of up to $300 and there is a mandatory 90 (ninety) day drivers license suspension.

Traffic Enforcement- HFCA Code chapter 252 regulates traffic within Hemlock Farms, Patrol Officers use RADAR to measure speed and traffic codes are enforced regularly and consistently.

Vehicle Lockouts-   Patrol Vehicles are equipped with a variety of car opening tools.  However, newer  vehicles are more difficult to open and Patrol Officers will use discretion in determining whether to attempt to open a vehicle or refer residents to a locksmith or other service.