If you’ve ever driven down Taylorsville Road or spent time near the Garden of Reflection, you’ve likely seen the cruisers. They’re distinct. They belong to the Lower Makefield Police Department, an agency that manages one of the busiest and most affluent patches of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. People often assume that policing in a township like Lower Makefield is just about writing speeding tickets on 295 or checking on backyard alarms. It isn't.
Public safety here is complicated. You're dealing with a population of over 33,000 people spread across nearly 18 square miles. It's a mix of dense residential neighborhoods, high-traffic corridors, and sensitive historical sites.
The department operates out of the Township Municipal Complex on Edgewood Road. It’s a 24/7 operation. They aren't just "neighborhood watch with sirens." This is a full-service accredited agency that handles everything from high-stakes criminal investigations to the mundane task of managing "vacation checks" for residents heading to the shore.
The Reality of Policing Lower Makefield
Let’s be real for a second. Most interactions with the Lower Makefield Police Department happen during the worst ten minutes of someone’s day. Maybe it’s a fender bender near the Yardley border or a stolen catalytic converter in a driveway. The department currently operates under the leadership of Chief Jason Simon, who took the helm with a focus on modernization and community transparency.
The force isn't huge, but it's specialized. They have a Detective Division that handles the heavy lifting—think financial fraud, which is surprisingly common in high-wealth ZIP codes, and more serious felony crimes. Then you have the Patrol Division. These are the officers you see at 3:00 AM patrolling the quiet cul-de-sacs of Makefield Glen or scannning the parking lots near the shopping centers.
One thing that surprises people? The volume of calls.
Lower Makefield isn't a sleepy hollow. Because it serves as a major transit point between Philadelphia, Princeton, and New York via the I-295 corridor, the police end up dealing with a lot of "pass-through" crime. It’s a unique challenge. How do you maintain a small-town community feel when you’re basically a gateway for three major metropolitan areas?
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Accreditation and Professional Standards
Accreditation matters. It’s not just a plaque on the wall. The Lower Makefield Police Department is accredited through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). This is a big deal in the world of law enforcement. To get this, a department has to prove they follow "best practices" across hundreds of different standards—everything from how they handle evidence to how they use force.
Why should you care?
Honestly, it’s about accountability. Accreditation means there’s a paper trail for everything. It reduces liability for the township (which saves tax dollars) and ensures that when an officer pulls you over, they are following a set of rules that have been vetted by outside experts. It keeps things professional.
Specialized Units You Might Not Know About
The department isn't just patrol cars. They utilize several specialized functions to keep the peace.
- Motorcycle Unit: You’ll see them mostly during the warmer months. They are incredibly effective for traffic enforcement in areas where a standard SUV cruiser is too conspicuous or bulky.
- K-9 Unit: These dogs aren't just for show. They are trained in tracking and narcotics detection. In a township with as much open space and parkland as Lower Makefield, having a K-9 can be the difference between finding a missing person in the woods or not.
- S.W.A.T. (via B.C.R.T.): Lower Makefield doesn't have its own standalone SWAT team—that would be an astronomical waste of money. Instead, they participate in the Bucks County Regional Tactical Team. This is a "pool" of highly trained officers from various departments who mobilize for high-risk situations like barricaded subjects or warrant services.
Community Relations and the "Soft" Side of Law Enforcement
Policing here isn't all sirens and handcuffs. A huge part of the Lower Makefield Police Department mission is centered on community engagement. You've probably seen them at "National Night Out" or the various 5K runs held at Memorial Park.
They do something called the Citizens Police Academy. It’s a multi-week program where residents get to see behind the curtain. You learn about forensics, see how the dispatch system works, and sometimes even get to participate in mock traffic stops. It’s designed to humanize the badge. When people know the officers by name, the whole "us vs. them" mentality starts to fade away.
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Then there’s the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Since Lower Makefield is part of the Pennsbury School District, the department has a presence in the schools. It's a polarizing topic for some, but the goal is generally proactive: build relationships with students early so that the first time a kid interacts with a cop isn't during a crisis.
Managing the Traffic Nightmare
If you live here, you know: traffic is the number one complaint.
Between the Scudder Falls Bridge construction (which felt like it took a lifetime) and the sheer volume of commuters cutting through to avoid the tolls, the Lower Makefield Police Department spends an enormous amount of time on traffic safety. They use data-driven enforcement. They look at where the most accidents happen—often the intersections around Stony Hill Road or Heacock Road—and they station officers there.
It’s annoying to get a ticket. We get it. But in a township where kids are constantly biking to the pool or walking to school, speed enforcement is literally a life-and-death matter. The department frequently uses "stealth" radar units and speed trailers to collect data on where people are lead-footing it, which then dictates where the patrols go the following week.
Addressing the Myths
There is a common misconception that Lower Makefield is "crime-free." It’s not.
While violent crime is statistically low compared to nearby urban centers, property crime is a constant battle. Identity theft, "porch piracy," and unlocked car burglaries are the bread and butter of the daily blotter. The department is constantly pleading with residents on social media: Lock your car doors. Seriously. Lock them.
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Most of the "thefts" reported in the township aren't sophisticated heists. They are crimes of opportunity where someone walks through a neighborhood at 2:00 AM pulling on door handles. If the door is locked, they move on. If it’s open, they take your laptop and your spare change. The Lower Makefield Police Department can only do so much if the community doesn't take basic precautions.
Technology and the Future of the Force
The department has leaned heavily into tech over the last few years. Body-worn cameras are now standard issue. This protects the officers from false accusations and protects the citizens by ensuring there is an objective record of every encounter.
They also utilize ALPRs—Automated License Plate Readers. These are often mounted on patrol cars or at fixed locations. They scan plates and alert officers if a vehicle is stolen or associated with a missing person (Amber Alert/Silver Alert). Some people find this "Big Brother-ish," but from a law enforcement perspective, it’s an incredible tool for catching criminals who are just passing through the township.
Actionable Steps for Residents
Interacting with the Lower Makefield Police Department shouldn't be intimidating. Here is how you can actually utilize their services effectively:
- The Vacation House Check: If you’re going away for a week, tell them. You can fill out a form on the township website. Officers will periodically swing by your house to make sure the windows are intact and no packages are piling up. It’s a free service. Use it.
- ReadyBucks Alerts: Sign up for the county-wide alert system. The department uses this to blast out info about road closures, major accidents, or active police activity.
- Non-Emergency Reporting: Don’t call 911 because your neighbor’s dog is barking. Use the non-emergency number (215-493-4055). This keeps the 911 lines open for actual heart attacks and house fires.
- Medicine Drop-Off: Got old painkillers? Don't flush them. There is a permanent drug drop-off box in the lobby of the police station. It's anonymous and keeps chemicals out of the water supply.
- Camera Registration: If you have a Ring camera or a Nest cam, you can voluntarily register its location with the department. They won't have "live access" to your feed, but if a crime happens on your street, they’ll know who to ask for footage. It speeds up investigations significantly.
The Lower Makefield Police Department is a reflection of the community it serves: professional, busy, and focused on maintaining a specific quality of life. Whether they are directing traffic after a snowstorm or investigating a complex fraud case, their presence is the backbone of the township's infrastructure. Stay informed, lock your doors, and don't be afraid to wave to an officer when you see them at the local Wawa.
Important Contact Information
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: 215-493-4055
- Police Administration: 215-493-4055
- Address: 1100 Edgewood Road, Yardley, PA 19067
For those looking to stay updated on daily incidents, the department maintains an active presence on CRIMEWATCH, which provides public access to arrest blotters and incident reports. Checking this periodically is the best way to know what is actually happening in your neighborhood without relying on social media rumors.