CLEARFIELD: A crowd of residents gathered outside the Clearfield Borough Building on Thursday to voice opposition to a proposal that would remove the borough from the Clearfield Regional Police Department (CRPD).

Background: How Clearfield Reached This Point

Clearfield Borough’s consideration of leaving the regional police structure did not arise suddenly, but followed months of internal discussion about the borough’s long-term policing model after consolidation. Borough officials have said the regional arrangement, while effective operationally, limits the borough’s flexibility in shaping staffing levels, budgeting priorities, and administrative control compared with a locally operated department.

Those discussions ultimately led borough leaders to signal an intent to terminate their participation in the regional agreement and explore reestablishing an independent police force. The move triggered formal objections and legal challenges from other parties to the agreement, placing the issue before the court and temporarily freezing any change in policing structure. Since then, the question of whether Clearfield should operate its own department or remain part of a regional force has become a central policy debate, one that continues to unfold alongside negotiations, public input, and judicial review.

Fast forward to the people presence outside the meeting
 
The demonstration remained peaceful and orderly as speakers addressed concerns about public safety and the future of law enforcement coverage in the borough. Among those who spoke was Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers, who cited a recent emergency response as an example of the regional department’s importance. “Just last week, officers from Clearfield Regional Police rushed into a burning home and rescued a family along with their pets,” Sayers said. “Without the court’s order keeping the department intact, it’s frightening to consider how that situation might have unfolded. It underscores why a strong, locally based police force matters.” The protest was later acknowledged during Thursday evening’s borough council meeting, where Mayor Mason Strouse addressed residents who had participated.

“You’re exercising your right to free speech, and that’s important,” Strouse said. “I appreciate everyone who showed up—whether in person, online, or here at meetings. Staying engaged and communicating with elected officials is a vital part of the process.”

The dispute traces back to December, when Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas Judge Paul E. Cherry issued a temporary injunction blocking the borough from withdrawing from the CRPD. In his ruling, Cherry determined that any separation must be based on a “proper and fair” plan agreed upon by all involved parties. The borough has since asked the court to reconsider that order.

Despite the injunction, borough officials say discussions with Lawrence Township—the other participating municipality in the regional department—are ongoing. Borough Manager Julie Brooks said officials are still targeting a potential exit from the CRPD as early as April, depending on the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings.

If the separation proceeds, council members have stated their intent to establish a standalone borough police department. Brooks indicated that initial operations could be housed in space associated with State Rep. Dallas Kephart’s local office, allowing for shared use while the department becomes operational.

Supporters of the proposed withdrawal have cited rising costs, staffing difficulties, and limited reserve funds as primary factors driving the push to leave the regional police structure.

The issue remains unresolved as court proceedings continue and negotiations between the borough and Lawrence Township move forward, with public safety and fiscal responsibility at the center of the debate.

 Discuss this article on our group.