Reading Police Bureau

About Reading Police Bureau

The Reading Police Bureau stands as a cornerstone of public safety and community service in Reading, Pennsylvania, proudly serving the residents and visitors of our vibrant city from our headquarters at 815 Washington Street. As the primary law enforcement agency for Reading, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional policing while fostering strong relationships with the community we serve.

Our Mission and Vision

At the Reading Police Bureau, our mission extends far beyond traditional law enforcement. We are dedicated to creating a safer, more secure environment for all residents while building bridges of trust and understanding within our diverse community. Our officers work tirelessly around the clock to protect and serve, embodying the values of integrity, respect, and professionalism in every interaction.

Our vision is to be recognized as a progressive law enforcement agency that sets the standard for community-oriented policing in Pennsylvania. We strive to be proactive rather than reactive, working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and community organizations to address the root causes of crime and social disorder before they escalate into larger problems.

Comprehensive Law Enforcement Services

The Reading Police Bureau provides a full spectrum of law enforcement and public safety services to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our patrol division maintains a visible presence throughout the city's neighborhoods, responding to emergency calls, conducting routine patrols, and engaging in proactive crime prevention activities. Our officers are trained in de-escalation techniques and community policing strategies that prioritize public safety while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Our specialized units include detectives who investigate serious crimes, traffic enforcement officers who work to keep our roads safe, and community liaison officers who focus specifically on building relationships with various community groups. We also maintain specialized response capabilities for critical incidents, working closely with county, state, and federal agencies when circumstances require coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Community Engagement and Partnership

We firmly believe that effective policing requires active community participation and partnership. The Reading Police Bureau regularly hosts community meetings, neighborhood watch programs, and educational seminars designed to empower residents with the knowledge and tools they need to help keep their neighborhoods safe. Our officers participate in local events, school programs, and community initiatives that strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the people we serve.

Our youth outreach programs are particularly important to us, as we recognize that building positive relationships with young people today helps create safer communities tomorrow. Through school resource officer programs, youth sports leagues sponsorship, and educational presentations, we work to show young people that police officers are approachable, caring professionals who are invested in their success and well-being.

Professional Standards and Training

Every member of the Reading Police Bureau is held to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior. Our officers undergo comprehensive training that covers not only law enforcement techniques and procedures but also cultural sensitivity, mental health awareness, and community relations. We believe that continuous education and professional development are essential for maintaining public trust and delivering effective police services.

Our commitment to transparency means that we regularly review our policies and procedures to ensure they align with best practices in modern policing. We welcome community input and feedback, understanding that accountability to the public we serve is fundamental to our role as guardians of public safety.

Emergency Response and Public Safety

The Reading Police Bureau operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that emergency assistance is always available to those who need it. Our dispatch center, staffed by trained professionals, coordinates responses to emergency calls and maintains communication with officers in the field. We work closely with fire and emergency medical services to provide comprehensive emergency response capabilities.

When you call +1 610-655-6116, you can expect prompt, professional assistance from officers who understand the unique challenges and characteristics of Reading's diverse neighborhoods. Whether you're reporting a crime, requesting assistance, or seeking information about police services, our staff is committed to providing helpful, courteous service.

Crime Prevention and Safety Education

Prevention is always preferable to response, which is why the Reading Police Bureau places significant emphasis on crime prevention and public safety education. We offer programs designed to help residents protect themselves, their families, and their property from becoming victims of crime. These programs include home security assessments, personal safety workshops, and business security consultations.

Our officers regularly patrol high-crime areas and work with property owners to address conditions that may attract criminal activity. Through environmental design principles and community engagement, we help create physical and social environments that naturally discourage criminal behavior while promoting positive community interaction.

Technology and Modern Policing

The Reading Police Bureau embraces technology as a tool for improving our effectiveness and efficiency while maintaining our focus on human-centered policing. We utilize modern communication systems, crime analysis software, and investigative tools that help us respond more quickly to incidents and solve cases more effectively. However, we never lose sight of the fact that policing is fundamentally about human relationships and community trust.

Our use of technology is always balanced with respect for civil liberties and privacy rights. We are committed to using technological tools in ways that enhance public safety without compromising the constitutional rights and freedoms that are fundamental to our democratic society.

Looking Forward

As Reading continues to grow and evolve, the Reading Police Bureau remains committed to adapting our services to meet the changing needs of our community. We regularly assess our operations, seeking opportunities to improve our effectiveness while maintaining the personal touch that makes community policing successful.

We invite all members of our community to partner with us in creating a safer, more vibrant Reading. Whether you have concerns about neighborhood safety, ideas for crime prevention, or simply want to get to know the officers who serve your area, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

The Reading Police Bureau is more than just a law enforcement agency – we are your neighbors, committed to serving and protecting the community we all call home. Contact us at +1 610-655-6116 or visit us at 815 Washington Street to learn more about how we can work together to keep Reading safe and strong.