Town’s Police Chief Tells Officers To Stop Traffic Enforcement, So State Police Flood Town

Pennsylvania State Police conducted an emphasis patrol in Midland Borough after the local chief ordered an end to traffic stops. (PA State Police)

Midland Borough Gets Extra Attention From State Police

Midland Borough, PA – After Midland Burough’s Police Chief sent an order to officers telling them to cease proactive law enforcement, including traffic stops, the Pennsylvania State Police responded by flooding the town with troopers to conduct traffic enforcement.

John Paul with the Beaver Countian reports that PSP had around six trooper stopping cars in the area for two hours on Tuesday.

PSP Lieutenant Eric Hermick responded to his request for comment, saying:

“The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to protecting the residents of the Commonwealth and abroad.

“We will continue our relentless enforcement efforts to remove impaired and dangerous drivers from roadways, educate the motoring public relevant to vehicle equipment laws and requirements, and to target drug traffickers. The State Police have executive law enforcement authority throughout this great Commonwealth, therefore they can go to the problematic areas.”

Midland Borough Chief McCarty, who is now under investigation, said that his recent order was because of citizen complaints, and that officers who didn’t comply would have their work hours reduced, according to CBS Local Pittsburgh.

In the memo, Chief McCarty said, “Due to a recent rash of citizen complaints, we are asking you to stop traffic stops significantly.”

He also said, “I am well aware that these and many others are illegal violations, but we cannot sustain a department where we have dozens of complaints a month.”

The order suggests that none of the officers were doing anything wrong, the complainers just didn’t like that the officers were doing the right thing.

The town has a population of 2,500. Small towns tend to generate more complaints as citizens don’t want to be held accountable by their small town department.

In his order, the Chief asked officers that they didn’t need to look the other way if there was a “blatant DUI” in front of them, but suggests that anything less shouldn’t be stopped.

The recent order was also supported by Mayor Angela Adkins.  Chief McCarty said that none of the officers would be fired for not following his order but he would be checking body-cam and dash-cam videos to make sure officers comply, according to WPXI.

Channel 11 contacted the solicitor for Midland Borough and the District Attorney, but both said no comment. Neither the police chief or the mayor are commenting.  The Pennsylvania State Police have opened an investigation into Chief McCarty’s directive.

Midland Borough is a small township with about 2,600 residents located about 30 miles from Pittsburgh.

Below is Chief McCarty’s directive, as reported by John Paul with the BeaverCountian:

“Subject: Traffic Stops

Message: To all officers,

I’d like to start by saying you are all doing a very fine job. Any Chief would be proud to have you as his/her officers. That being said after speaking with the Mayor some changes need to occur.

I understand what I am about to request of you is very difficult, I was a patrol officer for 9 years. Due to a recent rash of citizen complaints we are asking you to stop traffic stops significantly. No more turn signals, plate lights, head lamps, etc.

I am well aware that these and many others are illegal violations, but we cannot sustain a department where we have dozens of complaints a month.

Many departments follow a ‘seen but not heard from’ type of attitude. For the temporary time being I am requesting that we become that type of department.

This hurts no one more than me, as I have loved what you find officers have been accomplishing. Basically, I need you to answer your calls, take the appropriate actions, and patrol. Now if you have blatant DUI in front of you I’m not asking you to look the other way for someone who may kill another for their blatant disregard for other’s safety.

I understand some of you may not be able to do this, and it is sad to say, but this may not be the department for you at this time. I’ll be monitoring the reports and body and car cameras much more diligently to make sure all are following in line with this.

No one will get fired or face discipline for not following the request of myself and the Mayor. But if individuals can not follow this request hours will go more to those who can.

I hope all can understand where myself and the Mayor are coming from, people are not showing up at your door steps, but they are showing up to ours. As I said this is only temporary until things calm down. I hope that all can understand and comply. I am sorry to even ask this of you.

Chief”