May 11, 2007 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – Following what the mayor called “a pretty bad weekend,” borough council voted to send police officers to a training session dealing with shootings on college campuses during their regular meeting Thursday evening. Four or fewer officers will be sent to a two-day training course at California University of Pennsylvania entitled “Shoot or Don’t Shoot,” according to Mayor Casey Durdines.

Durdines explained that the class is “designed specifically to college shootings,” adding that two officers, including Chief Rick Encapera, showed interest in attending the classes.

Councilman Jim Maddiex told the rest of council that he would like to see every officer attend, but the mayor explained that the cost to send 15 officers might not be feasible.

Maddiex suggested council explore splitting the cost between the different municipalities where many of the part-time officers work.

Councilman Patsy Alfano observed that the officers that do attend could then offer in-house training to the officers not in attendance.

During Reading Day Weekend, a few days last week when the college cancels classes to allow students to study for finals, 90 police incidents occurred, including a shooting at a local bar, Durdines noted, adding that he was proud of the officers hard work.

Durdines explained that some incidents could have been handled differently if officers were armed with tasers.

“We need to seriously explore taser purchases,” he added, noting that the police department is considering adding a substation at Jefferson Apartments, an off-campus student apartment development.

In other matters, Maddiex reminded the public that May 15 is Election Day. A referendum question on the ballot concerning an earned income tax increase is open to all regardless of party registration.