Collingdale Police Grows From 3 to 11 Officers

Collingdale police force expands from 3 to 11 officers in one year after staffing crisis

Collingdale Police Adds 8 Officers in Year

Collingdale's police force has grown from three officers to 11 full-time positions over the past year, officials said. The Delaware County department now serves the borough's 8,800 residents with significantly improved staffing levels. Police Chief Shannon McFadden told reporters the expansion marks a major recovery from what he described as a critical shortage.

Context and Background

The staffing crisis left Collingdale with just 0.34 officers per 1,000 residents around December 2023, well below typical municipal police ratios. 'We were down to three officers at one point, and now we're up to 11 full-time officers,' McFadden said. Mayor Donna Matteo-Spadea acknowledged the challenge, telling CBS News Philadelphia, 'It's been a struggle, but we're getting there.' The shortage reflected broader law enforcement recruitment difficulties affecting Delaware County and communities nationwide.

Key Details

The department's current staffing provides approximately 1.25 officers per 1,000 residents, a substantial improvement from the crisis level. Officials didn't provide specific budget details for the staffing expansion or salary ranges for the new positions. The department gradually increased staffing over the course of approximately one year, though a detailed timeline of when individual officers were hired wasn't available. Officials didn't detail specific recruitment strategies employed during the hiring process.

Timeline and Implementation

The staffing recovery occurred between December 2023 and December 2024, when CBS News Philadelphia reported the increase. The department hasn't announced whether additional hiring is planned or what target staffing levels might be. Officials didn't provide information about future expansion goals or ongoing recruitment efforts.

Community Impact

The expanded force allows improved coverage for Collingdale's residential neighborhoods and business districts. Residents can expect enhanced response capabilities and more visible police presence throughout the borough. While the department has recovered from its staffing crisis, many Delaware County municipalities continue facing similar law enforcement recruitment challenges.