The Bristol Township Police Department has reported decreases in violent and property crimes in 2024, according to the department’s year-end review.
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Police responded to 26,181 calls for service in 2024, an increase from 24,306 calls in 2023, according to Bristol Township Chief of Police Robert Coulton.
Robberies dropped from 44 in 2023 to 26 in 2024, while burglary investigations decreased from 63 to 51 during the same period. The department also reported a reduction in overdose deaths, with 13 cases in 2024 compared to 20 the previous year.
Traffic enforcement saw an increase, with officers conducting 4,323 traffic stops in 2024, up from 3,176 in 2023. Vehicle crashes slightly decreased from 1,463 to 1,455.
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Theft reports showed a slight increase to 675 cases in 2024, up from 642 in 2023. Criminal mischief reports also rose marginally from 221 to 223 cases.
Weapons offenses increased slightly with 26 investigations in 2024, compared to 23 in 2023.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
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Death investigations decreased from 39 to 26 cases, while natural cause death investigations dropped from 83 to 72, the chief said.
“Our officers participated in hundreds of hours of training throughout the course of the year,” Coulton stated, noting focus areas including active shooter response, low light firearms training, traffic safety, crash investigation, leadership development, and child abduction response.
The department continues its partnership with Tullytown and Bristol Boroughs through a co-responder program, which assists patrol officers with mental health crisis calls, drug and alcohol issues, and homeless outreach.
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The department plans to continue the co-responder program, which Coulton described as “very beneficial for officers and members of the community.”
Community engagement remains a priority, with officers participating in programs such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, elementary school book readings, and Shop with a Cop, Coulton said.
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The department maintains a full complement of 61 sworn officers, including a chief of police, two lieutenants, eight sergeants, four newly promoted corporals, five detectives, and 41 police officers. Additionally, there are seven civilian support personnel on the staff.
Lt. Sean Cosgrove oversees patrol operations, while Lt. C.J. Winick manages administrative duties and investigations for the department.
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The department hired five new police officers in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, Coulton said the department’s goals include:
- Providing professional service while reducing crime and costs
- Adding police operators to the drone program
- Enhancing training in use of force techniques and de-escalation tactics
- Evaluating 12-hour shifts for effectiveness and efficiency
- Expanding community outreach
- Establishing a more effective neighborhood watch program
- Installing red light cameras at two intersections along Route 13
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Bristol Township Council and the police department celebrated the retirement of public works department mechanic Bill Rizzo. He maintained the police fleet during his career at the township.
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