LANCASTER TWP — The Lancaster Township Police Department switched to an around-the-clock coverage schedule at the beginning of this year, citing an increased need for local police services.

The change comes as the township experiences rapid development and population growth that is becoming increasingly common across Butler County.

“At the tail end of 2017, the township board of supervisors made the decision to change the police department to a full-time, 24/7 police department,” said Benjamin Kramer, Lancaster Township manager. “That allows us to reach the residents to make sure they know if they have an issue, police officers will be there.”

In the past, state police covered the township from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. As the number of calls increased with the population, township officials decided a new approach was needed.

“There was a substantial increase in calls,” said police Sgt. Michael Cornell. “(With) the population increase, we got everything from more traffic, which results in more accidents, which results in more medicals to burglaries and all other kinds of calls.”

To increase coverage the township is increasing the hours of part-time officers and bringing one up to a full-time schedule.

This, in addition to increased use of equipment and facilities, is expected to increase the township’s police budget by $23,000, Cornell said — all of which is paid for by additional tax revenue brought on by the growth.

“We didn’t raise taxes,” he said. “It was completely taken care of by the population increase.”

“With the growth of the township, it was very organic,” Kramer added.

This growth is expected to continue as more developments are planned and then built.

“With the Scenic Ridge subdivision, the sales there really took off in a way no one expected and with those added people come different mindsets and expectations,” Kramer said. “They have had explosive growth in that community and they are working to expand that community in any way they can.”

Another development is under construction, with the second phase beginning soon and a proposal for a third development being considered. Cornell said the time is now to expand its resources.

“(It’s good we’re) getting in front of the police department going 24/7,” Kramer said.