Jenkintown Borough has reaffirmed the official statement originally issued on December 10, 2025, by Mayor Gabriel Lerman and Police Chief Thomas M. Scott regarding the role of the Jenkintown Borough Police Department (JPD) as it relates to immigration enforcement.
This re-issuance serves as a formal reminder of the Borough’s established commitment to community trust and public safety. By reaffirming the December 2025 policy, officials are ensuring that the specific legal protections under General Order 1.2.10 remain clear to all residents and visitors to Jenkintown Borough.
Our Mission & Policy
The mission of the Jenkintown Borough Police Department is public safety. The Department provides the same level of service, protection, and respect for all residents, visitors, victims, and witnesses—regardless of immigration status.
Borough officials, including Mayor Lerman and Chief Scott, affirm that local police do not enforce federal immigration laws, nor do they inquire about immigration status during routine interactions or when individuals access Borough services.
Formalized Protections (General Order 1.2.10)
These practices are formalized in JPD General Order 1.2.10, which defines the Department’s procedures and limits of authority.
Key provisions include:
No Administrative Detainers: The Department does not honor administrative ICE detainer requests and has not and will not enter into ICE’s 287(g) program.
Judicial Oversight: The Borough will only cooperate with federal immigration authorities when required by a valid judicial court order or as otherwise required by law.
Community Trust: The policy outlines officer responsibilities and protocols for handling federal requests to ensure everyone feels safe engaging with local law enforcement.
Next Steps & Official Resolution
The Jenkintown Borough Council has directed the Borough Solicitor and Administration to draft a formal Resolution capturing the essence of the Mayor’s statement(s) and associated JPD General Order. A resolution moves this policy from a departmental order to a formal public record, codifying the Borough’s collective intent and ensuring long-term accountability.
This resolution will be presented to the Borough Council for consideration and approval on Wednesday, April 22nd. We encourage all interested community members to attend.
Official Resources:
Click here to read JPD General Order 1.2.10 — Immigration (PDF).
Read Glenside Local’s coverage of this statement here.
Contact Information:
Residents with questions about Jenkintown Borough’s policies or their rights may contact
Mayor Lerman at glerman@jenkintownboro.com
or
Chief Scott at tscott@jenkintownpd.org.