Canine Team
This unit is under the direction of Sergeant Kevin Smith.
Congratulations to K9 Drax on his retirement after seven years of dedicated service to South Whitehall Township!
He was officially retired from service with the South Whitehall Township Police Department on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
K9 Drax, a Belgian Malinois born in Holland in February 2017, was partnered with Sergeant Kevin Smith nearly a year later. Throughout his distinguished career, Drax was expertly trained in narcotics detection and patrol operations, including building searches, suspect tracking, and arrest assistance. Now retired, he will enjoy a well-earned rest at home with his longtime partner, Sergeant Smith.
Other recently retired SWTPD K9 teams are Sergeant Colin Beaumont and his partner K9 Kyra, and Officer Matthew Carney and his partner K9 Ranger.
Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
This unit is under the direction of Sergeant Derek Marouchoc.
The South Whitehall Township Police Department actively participates in the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP)—a federally funded initiative aimed at reducing crashes and hazardous material incidents involving commercial motor vehicles.
The department currently has four officers certified in commercial vehicle weights and measures enforcement, utilizing both portable and platform scales to conduct inspections throughout the township. Routine inspections are completed to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and post-crash inspections are conducted when commercial vehicles are involved in reportable collisions.
Lehigh County Regional DUI Task Force
Coordinator - Sergeant Kevin Edelheiser / Assistant Coordinator - Sergeant Joel Wischner.
The DUI Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional effort aimed at reducing DUI-related accidents and fatalities. Funded by PennDOT and administered by the South Whitehall Police Department, it conducts sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and public education.
Lehigh County Emergency Response Team
The Lehigh County Emergency Response Team (ERT), formed in 2002, includes members from various law enforcement and emergency support disciplines. South Whitehall Township Police Department currently has five trained and active ERT members.
The ERT provides tactical responses to critical incidents such as barricaded persons, hostage situations, and high-risk warrants. Members receive ongoing training while maintaining regular patrol duties.
Bicycle Patrol
This unit is under the direction of Sergeant Kevin Edelheiser.
The Bicycle Patrol Unit includes 18 officers certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). Officers patrol parks and neighborhoods, increasing visibility and community engagement.
Bike patrols are effective in areas inaccessible to vehicles and provide efficient coverage. Duties include calls for service, narcotics and traffic enforcement, special events, and bicycle safety education.