January 2021
Upper Makefield Police Earn Pennsylvania
Accreditation

After a process that began in 2017, we are proud to announce that the Upper Makefield Township Police Department has achieved accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. 
 
Accreditation is a means to evaluate and improve performance by creating standards for best practices, policies and procedures for police departments. Following an arduous process to thoroughly analyze existing operations, procedures were updated and implemented to comply with standards. In October, the Department was evaluated by three Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission members over a two-day period to ensure that the Department met their high accreditation criteria. We are proud to report that the Upper Makefield Police Department is currently one of 127 agencies in the State to hold that status.
 
This accomplishment helps ensure that UMTPD provides up-to-date and professional practices that reduce liability and exposure to lawsuits while providing quality service to help keep Upper Makefield one of the safest communities in Bucks County. 

Township Garners Aa1 Moody's Financial Rating

Upper Makefield has earned a bond rating of Aa1 from Moody's Investors Service, which signifies the creditworthiness of borrowers, including local governments. This rating indicates the Township's strong financial health and management of debt.

Upper Makefield manages a roughly $14 million annual budget, which is prepared by staff and approved by the Board of Supervisors. Independent auditors review Township financial records annually. The Annual Budget and Audited Financial Statements are posted on the Township website.
Sgt Mary Kate Huff Sworn In
Sgt. Mary Kate Huff
Upper Makefield Names First Female Police Sergeant

Mary Kate Huff was sworn in as Upper Makefield's first female sergeant on January 4, 2021. Magisterial District Justice Michael Petrucci administered Sgt. Huff's oath of office with Chief Mark F. Schmidt, family members and fellow UMTPD officers in attendance.

Sgt. Huff joined the Upper Makefield Police Department in 2007 as a part-time officer after graduating from Temple University Municipal Police Academy. Since becoming a full-time officer in 2008, she has earned numerous appointments and designations, including the Central Bucks Special Response Team and Bucks County teams related to domestic violence and crisis intervention. She is also the UMTPD evidence technician and certified car seat technician. Sgt. Huff holds both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in criminal justice.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Mary Kate Huff on her new position with UMTPD.
Your Property May be Eligible for a Flood Insurance Discount

To assist our residents with the cost of flood insurance, Upper Makefield is a participating community in the Community Rating System (CRS) that partners with the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Because Upper Makefield is a CRS participant, private property owners in the Township may be eligible for premium reductions of 5-45 percent, based on our community's ratings. Additional benefits of CRS participation include:

  • Reduction in flood losses
  • Reduction in property damage
  • Protections to public health and safety
  • Flood risk mitigation in new construction plans
  • Reduced risk of erosion damage

To better understand your risk of flooding, check your property's flood zone on these maps:

Flood insurance is available to all property owners in Upper Makefield. Many local insurance agents are participants in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and can help with your flood insurance needs. If you cannot find a local NFIP certified agent, call the NFIP Referral Call Center at 800-427-4661 or view a list of companies online. 

For specific questions about your property, please call our Planning and Zoning Department at 215-968-3340 or visit the Township website for additional resources.
COVID Scam Warnings

Law enforcement and government agencies continue to issue warnings about potential scams surrounding COVID, ranging from vaccines to stimulus checks. Both the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection maintain archives of community bulletins and fraud alerts and offer tips on their websites to avoid becoming a victim.

Please review these important safety reminders:
  • Do not give personal identifying information like your address, banking or credit card information in exchange for special access to vaccines
  • Make sure your computer has the latest updates
  • Do not open emails or attachments if you do not recognize the sender

If you believe you are a victim of a scam, contact the Upper Makefield Police Department at 215-968-3020.
Look for Details About Tree Grants and Giveaways

The Board of Supervisors recently approved recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Council to partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide trees at no cost to residents who sign up through the Arbor Day program. They also increased reimbursements from the UMTree Grant Program to a maximum of $975 per property per year. Funding for both programs comes from developer fees paid to the Township and not from taxpayer dollars. Watch for details on our website and upcoming eNews as more information becomes available.
Upper Makefield Township | uppermakefield.org | 215-968-3340