Whitehall Township is currently engaged in bargaining discussions for a new police contract.

The current three-year contract expires the end of December. Both the administration and police department have not revealed the specifics of the possible contract, noting only that it might take several meetings to reach an agreement.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said an initial meeting took place with township officials and officers representing the bargaining unit. The Whitehall Police Association represents the police department, from patrol to high ranking officers.

Hozza stated both sides are seeking a multiyear agreement, preferably for a term of three years.

The township police force stands at 44 officers.

Along with an increase in wages sought at each contract session, health benefits and copayments have been a bargaining chip at the sessions.

Police officers are not permitted to go on strike, according to state law. The recourse for officers in the even of a stalemate would be binding arbitration.

The police department aides are not part of the contract talks.