Police Squad Recognized For 'Exceptional' Arrests In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —While Bensalem officials and law enforcement say that 40 percent of the township's crime comes from Philadelphia, its police officers often handle criminals from other states —and even other countries.

Members of the Bensalem Township Police Patrol Squad B were recognized for their "exceptional police work" by Public Safety Director William McVey and Lt. James McGinty.

The police officers were recognized for removing illegal firearms from the street, arresting a shooting suspect from another state, arresting a homicide suspect from Puerto Rico, and arresting a burglar.

A special shoutout also went to Police Officer Bryan Hearn for receiving three commendations and being recognized as “Officer of the Quarter.”

McVey recently penned a memo that discusses Philadelphia's impact on crime in the suburbs, which he said continues to rise in Bensalem Township.

"In Bensalem Township, roughly 40 percent of our arrestees are residents of Philadelphia. This is a 10 percent spike from just three years ago," McVey said in the memo. "This proves the escalating problems of Philadelphia are the problems of our suburban communities. We in the suburbs are hopeful that the City of Philadelphia will work to fix the broken practices that are making us all less safe."

Meanwhile, State Rep. Kathleen "KC" Tomlinson will co-host a House Republican Policy Committee hearing on Thursday to curb crime creeping into Bucks County communities from Philadelphia.

Last week, state Sen. Frank Farry, legislators, and local law enforcement gathered as six pieces of legislation were introduced to combat crime in Bucks County on everything from catalytic converter thefts to rioting, which has recently taken place in Philadelphia.