Police departments across the nation are raising concerns about current and future staffing levels. The Oxford Police Department is no different. 

Oxford Police Chief Sam Iacono has talked repeatedly about the difficulty he has had in securing officers for the Oxford Police Department. 

He previously cited as one of the reasons, “Other police departments can pay more than we pay.”

Besides the differences in pay, some say the shortage is a result of the pandemic, while others see it as the result of the change called for in police departments. And, of course, there is always the “risking your life” aspect of the job that police officers face. Becoming an officer and staying an officer is not easy. Much training is required to become an officer, and the training continues on an ongoing basis. 

“Our officers are trained on firearms, body cams, police best practices, and the list continues. You continually train,” Iacono explained.

Hopefully, with the swearing in of two police officers, the shortage of officers in the Oxford Police Department  will be eased.

It was standing-room-only in the council room as Officers Shakira Greer and Christopher Thompson were sworn in. Numerous family members were on hand to support the officers.

Thompson was sworn in as a part-time officer and Greer as a full-time officer.

Greer grew up wanting to make a positive difference in the world. A veteran of the Navy, she holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security. She joined the Oxford Police Department in 2016. She is a lifelong resident of Oxford. Greer has been quoted on more than one occasion as saying, “I want to make a positive difference in the world.”

Oxford is fortunate to have her. After leaving the Navy she also earned an undergraduate degree in criminal justice with a minor in Arabic.

Officer Christopher Thompson, who is just beginning as a part-time officer, had his own reasons for joining forces with the Oxford Police Department.

He commented previously, “I saw how the Oxford police worked as they helped my family navigate through my sister’s illness. I decided that was what I wanted to do.”

Both officers are immersed in the community and are there to protect and serve. Securing them is a gift, especially when many police officers have decided to retire or change their careers.

Greer has proven time and time again that she can handle herself  in any situation, and has been commended numerous times for her professionalism.

And Thompson brings a unique perspective to the department with his knowledge of caring for a sister in a critical health situation.

Both are inspired to serve the community, which has been a prerequisite for joining the Oxford Police Department.

In other business this month Oxford Borough Council approved the following:

• A motion to ratify authorization to advertise an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Code of the Borough of Oxford, regarding Definitions, Street Width, Sidewalks, Trails, Impact Studies, and Lighting, and Chapter 27, Zoning, of the Code, regarding Definitions, Parking Requirements for Community Center, Landscaping, Lighting, Accessory Uses, and Common Open Space;
• A Sycamore Crossing escrow release No. 1 for Phases 2 and 4 in the Amount of $207,881;
• A development agreement, financial security agreement, and stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and conveyances operation and maintenance agreement between Oxford Borough and Starr Road Farms, LLC – Phases 6 and 7.
• Consideration of the Request of Starr Road Farms, LLC in relation to Sycamore Crossing, Phases 2 and 4, to waive the following requirement to place “no parking” signs in Sycamore Crossing;
• A letter of support for the Oxford Area Recreation Authority’s application to the PA Statewide Local Share Account Program to support park and facility improvements at the main park, parcel 1, located at 900 West Locust Street;
• A resolution authorizing submission of a Multimodal Transportation Fund Program application to the PA Department of Transportation to support improvements to Niblock Alley and the Broad Street Bridge;
• A resolution  authorizing submission of a statewide local share account program application to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to support improvements to Niblock Alley, the Broad Street Bridge and adjacent areas;
• A resolution authorizing collection of certain taxes by the Chester County Treasurer;
• A motion to approve the debris removal agreements between the Borough and the property owners of 13, 19, 21, and 27 S. Third Street;
• A letter of support for the Oxford Area Historical Associations application to the PA Statewide Local Share Account Program to support the acquisition of an historic school building located at 119 S. Fifth Street;
• Recommendations of the five-year strategic management plan prepared by Keystone Municipal Solutions.