News from Upper Makefield—September 2023

September 2023

Upper Makefield Police Now Wear Body Cameras

Police body cameras are now worn by Upper Makefield Township police officers. The new cameras synch with existing in-car video systems and enhance our officers' ability to record evidence—while promoting accountability and transparency in their service to the public.

If you have questions about the camera program, please contact Sergeant Rich Kraus by email or by calling 215-968-3020.

Learn more about UMTPD on their Crimewatch page and on the Township website.

Upper Makefield Police Department

2024 Budget Process Underway

The Township's annual budget review process began in August and continues in September with two workshops and public presentation of the Preliminary Budget on October 17.

The 2024 Preliminary Budget will be posted on our website and available at the Township Building for review before adoption, which must occur before December 31.

View approved Budgets and Budget Messages on our website.

Annual Budgets

How to Reduce False and Nuisance Fire Alarms

Upper Makefield first responders received 245 alarm calls in 2022, of which 104 were fire alarm calls deemed "false." A false alarm does not necessarily mean a faulty alarm—it may be caused by inadequate ventilation from cooking, dust from contractor's work and power failures.

Every alarm from your property requires people's time and resources. It's a safety issue as well: When volunteer firefighters leave home or work and police officers are dispatched for a false alarm, precious time could be lost in aiding someone in need.

You can help reduce false alarms: Fire Marshal John Kernan offers these tips to optimize your alarm system and save first responder resources.

Know how your alarm system operates, including how to cancel the alarm if it has been activated falsely.
Contact your alarm company annually to confirm your contact information and schedule any recommended service or maintenance.
Designate a "key holder" who can quickly respond to an alarm activation at your home when you are away.
If you or your contractors will be generating dust or soot inside your home, notify the alarm company in advance.
Notify your alarm company of changes to your household, such as domestic help, a new pet, if you plan to sell your house or if you are testing your system.
Provide the arriving police and fire company officers with all details that may have led to your alarm activation.

Register your home security alarm annually with the Upper Makefield Township Police Department by March 31 for a fee of $100/year. Unregistered users will be subject to a $50 fine for each accidental false alarm.

Alarm Registration

Reminders

Opt-in to Help With Deer Management

By agreement with the Township, the Big Oak Whitetail Management Association (BOWMA) will begin bow hunting this month. Vetted archers will be hunting on Township-owned property during Pennsylvania’s archery season, which runs from September 16, 2023–January 27, 2024. To improve overall results, contact BOWMA directly about deer management on your property.

Spotted Lanternfly

It's time to find and scrape egg masses and drop them in rubbing alcohol to mitigate damage next year. The Spotted Lanternfly could cost PA $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs if uncontrolled. They feed on our most valuable commodities, including grape, orchard and logging industries. More on identification.

Tap our Tree Grant Program for Fall Planting Season

Apply for Township rebates on native trees and deer fencing when you plant trees on your property this fall. UMTree Grant Progra m.

Please Update Township with HOA Contact Details

If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association, please update your board contact information with the Township by calling 215-968-3340. You can also e-mail your current board member contact list to Assistant Township Manager Judy Caporiccio.

Election Day and Voter Registration

View these pages for detailed voter registration and Election Day information from the Bucks County Board of Elections. Polling places have changed during construction at the elementary school. Enter your address in the polling place locator to find out where you vote.