An annual audit performed on the Whitehall Township Workers Compensation program revealed the use of tasers by township police officers will lead to decreased claims.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. in a report to the Board of Commissioners last Monday noted all prior claims were reviewed as well as the safety practices of the Public Works Department operation.

"The adjuster was especially pleased with the fact that the taser program was initiated, since it will reduce the number and severity of workers' compensation claims caused by police officers attempting to subdue unruly suspects," Hozza stated in his report to the Board of Commissioners.

In other business, the procedure for requesting information from the township via the state's open records law are being reviewed.

With the help of the township development office, the administration drafted a revised open records request form. It will allow the township to better locate and address "the voluminous requests" for information that are received regularly.

Also, the administration is working with the Police Pension Fund actuaries to perform an actuarial study of the township's fire department for the length of service fund and the life insurance program managed by the Fireman's Relief Association. The findings of the study could result in cost savings for the association, in the event they are able to self insure the program.

Hozza also noted the township Civil Service Commission met and established 2014 testing dates for promotional and eligibility testing for the police department.

The commissioners were informed the township's Human Resources officer returned from a conference with "a wealth of information which will be useful for personnel management purposes."