The Penn Township Police Department is making an organizational change by instituting a formal police chief position, which it is now actively recruiting for.

A job posting for a chief of police opening appeared on Penn Township’s website Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Previously, the department was led by an officer in charge. That position has been vacant since Cheryl Cranmer stepped down from the role in July. Cranmer is staying on as a part-time officer.

“We have multiple candidates and we plan to hire in the near future,” acting township manager Mary Hess said.

She said the role of chief and officer in charge are different.

“An officer-in-charge is part of the bargaining unit, whereas a chief is typically an administrative position,” Hess said. “In our case, we are hiring a ‘working chief,’ or one who will also patrol and handle regular police duties.”

Hess said the township’s decision to switch to a police chief was cleared by the police department’s bargaining unit, as required.