Except where the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following
terms as used in this article shall have the following meanings:
ACT 235
The Lethal Weapons Training Act of October 10, 1974 (P.L.
705, No. 235, 22 P.S. § 41 et seq.).
EQUIPPING
Includes but is not limited to uniforms and lethal and nonlethal
weapons.
Pursuant to the provision of Public Law 323, August 9, 1955,
codified at 16 P.S. § 2511, the County authorizes the employment
or appointment, and equipping of persons as Park Rangers for the following
purposes:
A. Performing all necessary duties relating to the establishing, making,
enlarging, extending and maintaining the park system.
B. Enforcing the park system Rules and Regulations ordained or resolved
by the County.
It shall be the duty of Park Rangers to:
A. Issue a citation, or arrest without warrant, any person detected
in the violation of any rule or regulation adopted by the County by
ordinance or resolution.
B. Take the arrested person before the Magisterial District Judge having
jurisdiction.
C. Secure all crime scenes, including persons and evidence, where there
is probable cause to believe that there is or has been a violation
of any provision of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Park Rangers shall
immediately request County Control 911 to dispatch a police officer
with jurisdiction to the scene and shall assist the officer as directed
or requested.
D. Follow all directives, details, standard operating procedures and
other notices and communications as determined by the Chief Park Ranger
and/or Director.
E. Use discretion in performing duties, enforcement of rules and regulations
and procedures and assure the safety of park system personnel, park
users and coworkers.
All Park Rangers who are required as a condition of employment
to carry and use lethal weapons shall be certified pursuant to ACT
235 or possess municipal police officer certification.
The County District Attorney's office shall have the duty and
responsibility to:
A. Review Park Ranger general directives and standard operating procedures,
including annual training requirements, and recommend changes to the
Director and/or Chief Park Ranger.
B. Investigate criminal acts or firearm incidents involving Park Rangers
and make recommendations for disciplinary actions, including termination
if warranted, to the Director.
Park Rangers shall successfully complete annual training requirements as required in the Park Ranger general directive and standard operating procedures. Training shall include standard operation procedures to comply with the duties in §
75-49.