SLIPPERY ROCK - Borough police have been providing some coverage in Slippery Rock Township for years, but now there is an agreement that better outlines how borough police handle township incidents.

When emergencies occur in the township, borough police often arrive on the scene before the state police. The township doesn't have its own police force and relies on the state police for most incidents.

Until recently, the borough didn't have guidelines for this coverage or receive payment from the township for its police officers' time in the township.

Now, after a year of negotiations, borough and township officials have developed an agreement that includes payment to the borough when its officers respond in the township. This agreement was passed by both boards in April.

The township will pay the borough at an average rate of $28 an hour for police coverage.

"The township recognizes it is a burden and they want to make sure they provide some reimbursement," said Jerry Heller, borough councilman and chairman of the police committee.

Borough and township officials don't know how much this coverage will cost annually.

The agreement took about a year to work out because officials had to settle details, not because there were any "contentious negotiations," he said.

The new document doesn't mean borough police will be provided to the township on a full-time basis, he said. Township residents who need help should still call the 911 emergency center and the closest officer will be sent, he said.

John Hines, a township supervisor, said the agreement is "really simple."

"It's for events of imminent danger so police can immediately respond," he said. "We're trying to increase the likelihood that someone will get there sooner in the event that someone needs assistance."

Traffic accidents or break-ins are examples of when the agreement would be used, said Hines. Police from the borough would help during the incident, but state police would take over and complete follow-up investigations, he said.

Since the borough last year cut back to four officers, even the borough doesn't have coverage on some shifts. In addition, borough incidents would receive priority, Hines said.