New Police Chief Appointed In Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The township has a new police chief.

Richard Schaffer was appointed as the next chief of the Cheltenham Township Police Department.

Subscribe

He is expected to be sworn in at the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Curtis Hall, 1250 Church Rd, Wyncote, as well as on Zoom.

Schaffer — who has 26 years of law enforcement experience — will be promoted from within the police department.

He currently serves as a Detective Division Lieutenant after being promoted to the position in early 2024.

Schaffer started in Cheltenham as a patrol officer in 2000 and became a detective in 2003. He was promoted to sergeant in 2008.

In that capacity, Schaffer has led each of the Department's Divisions (Patrol, Professional Standards, Administrative Services, and Detectives).

Schaffer has pursued many specialized trainings and certification programs, equipping him with advanced skillsets and preparation for command level leadership.

He earned his master's degree in Criminal Justice and Intelligence Analysis from Saint Joseph's University, and is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command Training (awarded the Kreml Leadership Award), the FBI LEEDA Command Leadership course, and the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.

Schaffer took on additional roles too, including as a Crisis Negotiator for 23 years, and leader of the CTPD's internship program, Crime Scene Tech program, and Gun Violence Task Force. He also started the department's Mental Health Liaison Program in 2024.

"It has been an honor to serve my career with the Cheltenham Township Police Department, and I look forward to leading the Department forward," Schaffer said. "I believe my in-depth training and my operational experience within all divisions in our Department has provided me with the necessary skills and insight to effectively lead this organization."

The township used the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to conduct a thorough search process, which began early this year.

PCPA's Executive Search and Selection services brought a diverse and experienced team with a broad range of law enforcement experience to the process, which included candidate recruitment, screening, and evaluation support through multiple rounds and styles of interviews.