Whitpain Police Chief
What the Whitpain Police Chief Recruitment Minutes Authorized
The Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized Township Manager Eric Traub to enter into a professional services agreement with SafeCity Solutions, LLC for police chief recruitment services, at a cost not to exceed $18,000.
The action appears in the Board’s official February 3, 2026 meeting minutes. Chair Scott Badami made the motion, Supervisor Robert Brunner seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously after no public or Board comments.
According to the minutes, Traub told the Board that Police Chief Ken Lawson will retire later in 2026. He described hiring the next chief as a critical decision and said the Township proposed using a third-party firm specializing in police executive recruitment to assist with the process.
The minutes state that funding for the recruitment services is already included in the budget and is expected to remain within approved limits. They also specify that the Township and Board will retain full authority over the hiring decision, while SafeCity will provide support and assessments.
Traub also confirmed that SafeCity has experience with other southeastern Pennsylvania municipalities and previously assisted Whitpain Township with command- and staff-level positions.
Questions About the Police Chief Search and Taxpayer Money
Whitpain Township taxpayers deserve an update. What has happened with the police chief search since the Board authorized the SafeCity agreement? How much taxpayer money has actually been paid or committed, what recruitment work has been completed, and what is the current hiring timeline? Why has the Township provided no clear public update on the status or cost of the search?
For additional background on the Whitpain police chief recruitment process, read our earlier coverage of Whitpain Township’s police leadership transition. Residents can compare that reporting with the official minutes and any future Township updates.
Source: See pages 2–3 of the official February 3, 2026 Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors meeting minutes.
Editor’s note: The minutes authorize an agreement with a maximum cost of $18,000; they do not state that the full amount has been spent.