Whitehall Township Police Department is bringing innovation and additional expertise to its staff - a certified polygraph examination officer and forensics testing - as it moves forward in the 21st century serving the public.

Police Chief Michael Marks, in his quarterly report to Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. and the board of commissioners July 10, said, “For the first time in 40 years, a Whitehall police officer will be certified to give polygraph examinations. Detective Matthew Reszek was selected to attend the prestigious National Counterdrug Training Center’s 12-week polygraph program. Once he returns in August, Detective Reszek will be able to conduct specialized polygraph testing on criminal cases, as well as for the department’s internal hiring process.

“A polygraph machine will be sought in the 2018 budget, and the school will provide a loaned machine at no cost until purchase,” Marks added.

Marks also said the department’s crime scene unit, in its first three months of existence, has been used extensively for forensic examinations of complex crime scenes.

“Members of the crime scene unit have gained valuable experience and knowledge at a murder-suicide scene and several robbery and burglary scenes, as well as at the scene of a convenience store shooting,” he said.

Marks acknowledged the outstanding assistance of the state police forensic services unit. The administration and commissioners were told members of the state police unit spent many hours with township police personnel, providing free training and insight.

A traffic enforcement unit has been created within the department as well.

“The four officers assigned to this unit have all proven their dedication to enforcing the traffic laws of Pennsylvania and investigating accidents,” Marks said. “The officers are, or will be, highly trained accident investigators.

“The officers are also specially trained for the enforcement of commercial vehicle standards,” Marks added.

The traffic enforcement unit will begin its duties in 2018.