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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
800 MHz Radio Project - Coverage
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The 800 MHz radio system has a coverage of 95% probability design for 12 db attenuation (building loss) in Cumberland County. This is the standard used to design public safety radio systems. To the average user – this equates to in-building portable coverage in average residential structures. To achieve this probability a number of new radio sites were established during the infrastructure build out phase. The legacy radio system uses four radio sites – one on the northwest side of the county, one on the northeast side of the county, one on the south central side of the county, and one in the center of the county. A total of seventeen radio sites are now used to provide coverage in the 800 MHz radio system. |
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Even with the best designed systems it is impossible to provide 100% coverage. Factors that limit coverage include distance from the radio site, terrain, certain atmospheric conditions, adjacent channel interference, and foliage. Isolated areas of the county may not have usable mobile radio coverage, but typically in an area where this may exist simply moving the radio a short distance may result in usable mobile coverage. |
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Testing conducted in the field during 2004 and 2005 revealed some coverage concerns in large commercial style buildings. Some warehouses, particularly those with metal clad exterior walls also posed some problems. Often times in warehouses coverage was affected by the type of contents and how it was rack stored. Below-grade communications also pose problems as no radio system communicates very well under ground. The best way for one to plan for communications deployment at large commercial structures is to arrange tours and understand how the radio performs in those environments. Vehicular repeater systems (VTAC) will likely be needed for operations and in some cases more than one placed in operation at different areas of larger buildings. |
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Coverage is only guaranteed inside the borders of Cumberland County. FCC requirements limit the range a radio system may operate. The coverage outside the County will be limited to the distance from the tower and terrain. A VTAC radio operating in the portable extension mode will only function a short distance outside the County as the FCC restricts their use to the County itself. |
800 MHz Radio Project - General Radio Questions and Operations
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Pricing for OpenSky radios for eligible agencies are on PA State GSA Contract 5820-06 under rider C. Specific pricing can be obtained from Roger Kohr at M/A Com at 717.565.1226 or Email or Lori Miller at 717.565.1218 or Email |
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Installation pricing is provided for under the state contract. M/A Com will require an M/A Com Authorized Service Center (ASC) to install the radio. Failure to have an ASC perform the installation will void the factory warranty. To obtain a list of M/A Com ASC please contact Robert Arney at M/A Com at 717.565.1230 or Email |
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To avoid potential problems with factory warranties it is recommended that a M/A Com ASC perform the services. For information on the ASC please contact Robert Arney at M/A Com at 717.565.1230 or Email. It is also recommended to purchase a new install kit from M/A Com for the new vehicle. The kit includes a new antenna, power cords and CAN bus cabling for the control head. The new kit lessens the possibility of damaged wiring or cabling that could occur during a removal. Leaving the old wiring and antenna will reduce the amount of time of billable hours associated with this removal. |
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Call Brian Hamilton at 717.245.8736 or Email and supply him with the serial number of the radio and unit number or individual to be assigned the new radio. Brian will then provision the radio in the system. He will call or email you back with additional instructions. Following this confirmation from Brian you will need to contact M/A Com 1.800.806.0949 and tell them you have a new radio(s) that needs programmed. M/A Com will open a work ticket. Someone from M/A Com or a M/A Com ASC will be in contact to schedule a date and time to complete the work. |
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There could be a problem with the serial number and/or IP address in the network voice switch. There could also be a problem with the user ID in the system. Call Brian Hamilton at 717.245.8736 and discuss if it is something he can fix over the air or if it is something physically wrong that would require the radio to be sent back to M/A Com for repair. |
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The radio could be in OCF (OpenSky Conventional FM – sometimes referred to as the backup network). The following are instructions to return the radio to OTP (OpenSky Trunking Protocol or network operations): Portable:
1. Using the menu buttons on the top of the radio below the toggle switch press until you see SELMODE
2. Once there, with the sub menu buttons on the side of the radio, press until you see OTP (OpenSky Trunking Protocol)
3. The display will then be flashing
A - GOTO or B - ABORT.
4. Press the A (left) top menu button to say GOTO.
5. The radio will then reboot back into OTP and then should look normal. Mobile:
1. Simply press the "C" preprogrammed button on the front of the control head and that will toggle the radio back and forth between OCF and OTP.
2. You can go through the menu if you wish. It is the same as the portable other than you use the up / down and left / right arrows. Then when you obtain what you want, press the select button. If the radio still does not connect to the network, the radio may be in need of repair. To determine if the radio is in need of repair, contact Brian Hamilton at 717.245.8736 for further help. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Mobile & VTAC
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This could mean a number of things. The best action to take is to call in an RMA to the M/A Com help desk at 1.800.806.0949. |
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Press the select button (the one in the center of the arrows) until you see NO CALLS. The alias will not show up unless you are sitting on the main menu. If you are on the main menu and the alias doesn’t display but another talk group displays, you are listening to scan radio messages. A radio alias will only be displayed on the selected talk group. |
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This function should be considered at any fire scene in which interior operations are required to mitigate the incident and communications could be questionable. Those situations include heavy masonry constructed buildings, metal clad buildings, warehousing with heavy rack storage, and incidents occurring below grade. Police could also consider this scenario if they are dispatched to active incidents involving interior operations. VTAC operations are not necessary for events occurring outdoors in the valley floor of the County and on the south side of the South Mountain as there is ample mobile and portable coverage. In some situations for events occurring in the finger valleys of the South Mountain in which terrain may shade the network sites, a VTAC positioned in coverage could be used to extend coverage to portables affected by the terrain shading. The face of North Mountain is more sheer on the Cumberland County side and not subject as much to the terrain shading that is posed by the South Mountain. |
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A VTAC must be placed in the “standby” mode to function as a vehicle repeater. All VTAC radios are equipped with an illuminated style rocker switch labeled “Vehicular Repeater” to engage the standby function. This switch must be turned on for the repeater to work. Audible confirmation tones sound when the switch is turned on or off. Once the switch is engaged and the VTAC assigns a repeater channel, a portable then can connect to the VTAC – either on its own if the radio network is really faded, or the portable radio is forced to VTAC operations by use of the A/B portable toggle switch function. |
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No. A distance and velocity parameter is incorporated to disable the repeater if the switch is left turned on. The velocity parameter is set to 35 MPH and the distance parameter is set to 1,320 feet (0.25 mile). If the switch is left on and either one of these parameters are met, the VTAC automatically disables and the audible confirmation tones will sound. You must manually return the switch to the off position prior to using the repeater again. This design is incorporated to prevent “drive by” repeaters from causing unintentional portable attachment. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Portable Batteries
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M/A Com provides a 2,100 milliamp hour (mAh) nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery with the P800 and P801 model portable radios. Milliamp hours is the amount of available storage capacity associated with the battery and relates directly to the operating time of the battery between charge cycles. |
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A new 2100 mAh Ni-MH battery that is properly conditioned before the first use will supply an average of 9.5 hours of operating time based on a 90/5/5 duty cycle. The duty cycle refers to 90% idle, 5% transmit, and 5% receive. Factors that can influence the actual time are age of the battery, actual transmit and receive times during use, and if the portable is operating in faded coverage that causes the portable to search for usable radio site signal. OpenSky portables constantly sample the radio network for available signal that is usable and if in faded environment the radio will search more frequently than when in good coverage. This sampling involves transmitting and receiving independent of the user’s normal portable functions. The user can see this function if they observe the LED and notice the blinking red and green indicators when not actually engaging the portable push to talk (PTT) button or when receiving voice messages. |
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M/A Com recommends using a battery analyzing charger to condition the battery. The battery should be placed on the charger and the conditioning button activated (see instructions provided with the analyzer charger). This function discharges and charges the battery three cycles in a controlled manner. It is important to note the voltage and available milliamp hours and record them for future reference for the individual battery. If an analyzing charger is not available, then fully charge the battery with a desk top charger before first use. |
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M/A Com recommends using this function for preparation of a new battery before first use and occasionally during the life of the battery depending on service use. Ni-MH batteries do not display the “memory” conditions associated with Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries that sometimes required conditioning to extend battery life. For purposes of determining remaining battery life expectancy the analyze cycle (see instructions provided with the analyzer) can be used to determine available milliamp hours. This function discharges and charges the battery a single time and provides the available milliamp hours and that number should be noted for future reference. |
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With each charge and discharge cycle the available life of the battery will diminish. A battery should be replaced when the available milliamp hours reaches 80% of its original rated capacity. This rating is recommended for public safety functions and for a 2100 mAh battery the replacement rating would be 1680 mAh or less. Often times a user will note decreased operating times before this replacement rating is reached and depending on their operational need, the user may want to replace the battery before this replacement rating is reached. |
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There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of battery chemistries. For their physical size a Ni-MH battery has higher storage capacity than Ni-Cd battery. Ni-MH offer less duty cycles (charge-discharge) over the life of the battery, lower tolerance to cold environments, and quicker self discharge rates, but they do not exhibit memory functions with poor charging practices and provide longer operating times. Ni-CD offers more duty cycles, higher tolerance to cold environment conditions, and lower self discharge rates but can exhibit short operating time if improperly charged and shorter operating times when properly charged. |
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An M/A Com OpenSky portable when first turned on will “boot up” to the radio system. This boot up is a process of the portable finding the network radio site, transmitting a data message containing the electronic serial number and IP address to the voice switch for system validation, and provisioning if this information matches the database loaded to the voice switch. If the portable and battery were left in a cold environment (20°F or less) prior to power up, the battery may not have enough electrical capacity to properly transmit the boot up information and go into shutdown. In colder conditions it is important to key the portable and battery in a warm environment before use. Most fire apparatus is equipped with DC chargers that supply a trickle charge which keeps the battery warm. This will minimize the affect associated with storing a portable and battery in a cold environment (such as a fire station bay that is not normally kept at normal room temperatures). |
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Portables should not be routinely kept in desk top chargers for a period of time longer than needed to properly charge a battery (see the user’s guide associated with the desk top charger and/or portable radio). Over charging for extended periods of time will “cook” a battery and render it with short of no available duty cycles. This is not unique to the M/A Com product line. Batteries, regardless of the manufacture, will slowly self destruct chemically if exposed to charging over an extended period of time. The owners guide supplied with the charger is the best source of information on how to properly charge a battery. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Portables
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Portable radios have different operating characteristics than mobile radios. Mobile radios have higher transmitting power levels and antennas mounted on ground planes that usually are not shielded by obstructions. Portables on the other hand have lower transmitting power levels and if used with label microphones, the antennas can be shaded by the user’s body. This shading may cause attenuation to the amount of receive signal available to the portable. Portables used inside vehicles can also suffer the effects of attenuation of receive signal due to the metal construction of the vehicle. |
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A quick test would be to obtain a portable that is known to work properly and has signal strength indication present. Swap antennas and see if the problem radio starts to work again. If so you have a bad antenna. Call 1.800.806.0949 and advise them that you have a bad portable antenna and it will need to be replaced (may not be covered under factory warranty). If this does not fix the problem you will need to send the radio back for RMA using the same 800 number. |
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Check the A/B toggle switch position. More than likely the switch is in the B position indicating it is looking for a VTAC. If no VTAC is active or in the standby mode (rocker switch on), then the portable will not function. Switch the portable toggle switch to the A position and it should reconnect to the network. |
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To rule out if it is a portable or lapel microphone problem take the lapel microphone off of the radio and see if the portable performs normally using the PTT on the side of the radio. If it seems to be okay without the lapel microphone connected, then it is a probably a defective lapel microphone. To further verify a defective lapel microphone try a lapel microphone from another portable that you know works. If this lapel microphone functions on the portable in question, the original lapel microphone is defective and needs replaced. Call 1.800.806.0949 for a warranty replacement. |
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The fire police have their portable radios programmed that the A/B toggle switch is in stealth mode. This means that if the switch is in the B position the back light, tones, and indicator light are extinguished but the speaker is still operational and can still talk. Simply move the switch back over to the A position. |
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The original design of the P801 and P800 portables included a function called “stealth mode”. This function was engaged by moving the toggle switch to the B position. In “stealth mode” the portable’s backlighting and LED functions were disabled as well as the side tones such as the grant and deny tones. When the A/B switch was modified in software to force VTAC engagement it was not possible to enable the backlighting and LED functionality. This would require hardware modifications at the factory. The side tones do function in the B position and the grant and deny tones are audible when in the B position. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Project
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The legacy radio systems using the low band radio frequencies are extremely dated technology. It is subject to interference by electronic devices. At times during certain atmospheric conditions subject to “skip” that injects foreign co-channel radio transmissions into our radio system masking our traffic from the County public safety providers. The trend of major manufacturers not building new base stations, mobile radios and portable radios using this bandwidth were the driving reasons.
In 1995 the Office of Emergency Preparedness tasked SE Technologies to do a complete evaluation of the public safety radio system. SE Technologies report documented concerns with the technology in use at the time of the report and recommended seeking FCC licenses in the 800 MHz bandwidth and deploying a new radio system using trunking technology. The 800 MHz bandwidth was recommended since few if any frequencies were available in VHF high band or UHF band. Trunking technology was recommended for the efficiencies and flexibilities of not having to use designated radio frequencies for individual voice paths. |
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Cumberland County evaluated formal proposals from a number of manufacturers. After a lengthy evaluation period the Commissioners rejected all proposals. In the interim the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (CoPA) announced the development of a new statewide radio system using 800 MHz OpenSky trunking technology developed my M/A Com. This afforded an opportunity to leverage state GSA pricing. The OpenSky trunking technology was leading edge utilizing Voice over IP (VoIP) wireless networking protocol. This cellular design using VoIP promoted more system efficiencies than the competitor’s offerings at the time of the award by the CoPA. Cumberland and Lancaster County’s quickly formed alliances with the CoPA and announced development of their own county radio systems using this technology. The alliance formed lasting partnerships that included shared radio facilities and ability to allow selected users to “roam” between the systems. Most functions associated with the user’s radios can be downloaded over the air without the need to deploy technicians to the agency site to make changes. |
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Yes, if mutual permissions are granted. Following the loading of R6 Cumberland County and the CoPA will test roaming between the systems. Selected talk groups will be considered for roaming on the state system and agreements developed to allow for the roaming capabilities. Cumberland and the CoPA have already discussed deploying “global profile 15 and global profile 16” in Cumberland County radios. These two global profiles are loaded in every CoPA OpenSky radio deployed in the state and are intended to support interoperability in the event of a major event. Once deployed in Cumberland radios the ability to interoperate with the state will exist. |
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This is more challenging than interoperating with the CoPA. A number of Cumberland County neighboring counties have announced new radio systems or are in the design phases. Those designs utilize bandwidths different than Cumberland and technological protocols proprietary to the system being deployed. Currently there is no single radio design that supports different bandwidths and trunking protocols. FCC licensing requirements limit the amount of radio system coverage the county may have available in the adjoining county. Therefore it is highly likely an out of county mutual aid provider will eventually drive out of range of their home county radio system if the mutual aid request is located somewhere other than close to its border. Cumberland will have limited roaming capability on the CoPA radio system to extend some talk groups beyond the Cumberland radio foot print.
Services that provide regular out of county response may find the need to procure radios on that particular county system. Cumberland County will fully support any out of county provider that provides regular mutual aid response into the county. If the service purchases OpenSky radios for use in Cumberland County – they will be provisioned with the full operational fleet maps used by the Cumberland County services.
In the interim some of the legacy radio equipment will be maintained for mutual aid concerns still using Cumberland capable low band radios or UHF med radios. The current low band Fire 1 (46.06 MHz) will be maintained for out of county responding units to contact the County and it will be cross patched to the Fire 1 800 MHz talk group at transition. The current Fire 2 (46.12 MHz) will be abandoned all together due to co-channel use by Prince George’s County, Maryland; Fire 4 (46.00 MHz) will be renamed “Mutual Aid 2); and Fire 3 (46.22 MHz) will be renamed “Mutual Aid 3”. Mutual Aid 2 and Mutual Aid 3 will be cross patched to Cumberland County operational talk groups as needed. All retained low band channels will be provisioned at time of transition with tone coded squelch (“PL tone”) with notifications of the tone codes assignments sent to the adjoining county agencies. The UHF med radio system will be maintained to support regional EMS communications protocols. |
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No – not at this time. We know of no scanner on the market today that can decode the digital message streams that contain the voice data packets and decode this message to voice messages. The VoIP uses proprietary software and sophisticated vocoder technology to digitize the analog voice message on the transmitting end and then decode it back to voice on the receiving end. Cumberland County will cross patch the 800 MHz dispatch talk groups for Fire 1 and EMS Dispatch to the conventional Fire 1 and Med 10 legacy channels for monitoring purposes. Fire service and EMS personnel will still use their pagers and station monitor devices used in the old system for the receipt of dispatch information. The cross patch will enable users to monitor response of units from their stations and hear the communications until units start arriving on the scene. Operational talk groups may be assigned for the incident and these talk groups will not be able to be monitored on radio scanners.
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Failures can range from minor to major, depending on the component or portion of the network affected. The new radio system is designed with redundancies at various levels and some of these are described below: Radio site failures – Occasional radio channels or sites could be lost without noticeable impact to the user and can be caused by acts of nature or normal maintenance requirements. All high profile sites have two or more channels (frequencies), and a loss of a single channel should not cause notice since each channel contains more than one voice slots. A single channel site or a complete radio site loss could reduce in building and some on street portable coverage. The radio system with its multiple site design provides overlaying mobile radio coverage in most of the county, usually from two or more sites, and VTAC operations can support portable use in a building. Voice switch failure – The radio system incorporates redundant switches – one operating as a primary and the other as a hot standby. If the primary switch should fail, the back-up will take over operations and the system outage during the failover will last 15 – 30 seconds. If a full network failure should occur, four high profile sites will revert to local repeater operations (single site trunking). The communications center is provisioned for control stations pointed to these sites and will maintain operations on the primary dispatch talk groups of Police East, Police West, Fire and EMS dispatch. A last resort option is the National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) mutual aid plan repeaters. This plan identifies five conventional 800 MHz radio channels (one hailing and four tactical channels) to be used nationwide for mutual aid purposes. The Commonwealth of PA installed the hailing and two of the tactical channels at their Resser’s Summit radio site south of New Cumberland. Cumberland County installed the two remaining tactical channels – one at South Mountain radio site and one at Three Square Hollow radio site. The combination of these sites provides mobile radio coverage to most of the County. While the intent of this plan is to provide common communications capabilities for disparate trunking technologies it could be used for a major network outage. All of Cumberland County Police, Fire, and EMS OpenSky radios are provisioned with the NPSPAC mutual aid plan and the training program provides information on how to access this mode in the radio. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Training
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All county Police, Fire and EMS were afforded an opportunity for train the trainer program in February 2007. This training was conducted by field instructors from Harrisburg Area Community College with the training content developed jointly between the County Department of Public Safety, M/A Com and the HACC instructors that delivered the initial field users training. This program included the new features incorporated as part of Release 6 software. Those personnel who took the training were provided a CD copy of the training program that included the Power Point presentation, hand outs of the slides, and related support documents. The trainer from your agency should be contacted for the training material. |
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The live system is operational for public safety communications functions. A training profile is provided in every public safety radio to use for training. The operational talk groups should not be used for this purpose. |
800 MHz Radio Project - Warranty & Maintenance
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Call M/A-Com service desk at 1.800.806.0949. If the radio needs to go back to M/A-Com for repair you need to request an RMA (return materials authorization). If a new radio needs programmed after being received call the same number but simply tell them, “I have a radio(s) that needs programmed for the first time”. |
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All M/A Com radios are covered by a one year return to factory warranty that starts from date of shipment. Return factory warranty does not include removal and transport of the radio to M/A-Com. Most police radios that were placed in service prior to the December 5, 2005, transition date are now covered by an extended warranty purchased by the County in December 2006. The County will bill the local police agencies for their portion of the extended warranty near the end of 1Q2007. Warranties for Fire and EMS radios will not start until the formal transition to the 800 MHz radio system. Any radio purchased from M/A Com following transition is covered by the one year return to factory warranty starting on the date it is shipped to the customer by M/A Com. |
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Contact M/A Com. The telephone number for M/A Com located in Harrisburg is 717.565.1200. |
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The County plans on providing information to the services of any pricing options for technician services to support maintenance when this is added to the State GSA contract. |
Aging
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An advance health care directive is a written set of instructions expressing your wishes for medical treatment. It may contain a health care power of attorney, where you name a person called a “health care agent” to decide treatment for you, and a living will, where you tell your health care agent and health care providers your choices regarding the initiation, continuation, withholding, or withdrawal of life sustaining treatment and other specific instructions. You may limit your health care agent’s involvement in deciding your medical treatment so that your health care agent will speak for you only when you are unable to speak for yourself or you may give your health care agent the power to speak for you immediately.
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Since most people prefer to stay in their homes and live independently for as long as they can, federal, state, and local government agencies have collaborated to develop several programs that will arrange for extended services and supports to be provided in home and community-based settings. Whether or not you are eligible for these programs will depend on your age, income and resources; your need for assistance; and the availability of funds. In some circumstances, these programs will supplement coverage you have through traditional sources. Contact our agency for more information and/or an individual comprehensive assessment of your (or your loved one's) needs and eligibility.
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Bureau of Elections
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After your Voter Registration Mail Application has been processed, you will receive a Certificate of Registration that will indicate your polling place and address. You can also contact the County Election Office for your polling place location or check our online listing of polling places. Polling Places |
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Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Election Office no later than 5:00 pm on the Tuesday prior to the primary or election. However, we highly recommend that you apply as early as possible to allow time for necessary mailings. Postmarks are not accepted. |
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Anyone wishing to become a candidate for a County or municipal level elected office may pick up a petition, instructions, and an election calendar from our office. The instructions are as follows: All blank spaces, which appear at the top of the front page of each nomination petition, must be completed before signatures are obtained. Do not obtain signatures before the first legal day to circulate and file nomination petitions. Type or print the name of the candidate on the FRONT and BACK of the petition EXACTLY as the candidate wants it to appear on the ballot. Candidates who wish to use names other than a derivative of their legal name must execute a Name Change Request Form that is available at Voter Services. |
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All voted absentee ballots must be received by Voter Services no later than 5:00 pm on the Friday prior to the primary or election. Postmarks are not accepted. |
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All Voter Registration records are considered public documents and are available for public inspection under the supervision of the Voter Services staff. |
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Each signer must be a registered elector in the same political party and political district referred to in the petition. Each signer must personally insert the information requested on the petition this includes: signature, residence as it appears on their voter registration, including municipality name, occupation, and date of signing. All information must be complete to be accepted by Bureau of Elections. Each signer may sign petitions for as many candidates for each office as they are permitted to vote for. |
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You must contact the State Bureau of Elections at 717.787.5280 for the necessary paperwork and information. |
CASA
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A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen (21 or older) who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those in foster care for whom permanency is being addressed. Most of the children are victims of abuse and/or neglect. |
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CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by the local CASA program. Training requirements vary from program to program, but Cumberland County CASA offers 35-40 hours of training. Volunteers learn about court room procedures from the principals in the system: judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel, and others. CASA volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques for children, and are educated about specific topics ranging from child sexual abuse to early childhood development and adolescent behavior. Volunteer trainees also observe dependency court proceedings. In addition to the pre-service training volunteers receive, they are also expected to complete 12 hours of in-service training annually. |
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As a child advocate, the CASA volunteer has four main responsibilities:
to serve as a fact-finder for the judge by thoroughly INVESTIGATING the current and background facts of each assigned case;
to provide these facts in report form to the judge and to speak for the child in the courtroom, ADVOCATING for the child's best interests;
FACILITATING communication between the parties in the case;
and to continue MONITORING the parties in the case, ensuring that dependency is brought to a swift and appropriate conclusion in the child's best interests. |
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In order to prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child - school, medical, and caseworker reports, etc. The authority of the CASA volunteer to act on behalf of the child is based on the PA Juvenile Act (Title 42 Act PA C.S. Sec. 6301 et.seq.) and is delineated in the Court Order issued at the time a volunteer is assigned to advocate for a child or sibling group. |
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Caseworkers are employed by the County. They work on as many as 30 cases at a time and are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each. The CASA volunteer is assigned to only one child or sibling group at a time. The CASA volunteer does not replace a caseworker on a case; he or she is an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer can examine a child's case thoroughly, has knowledge of community resources, and can make recommendations to the court, independent of state agency restrictions. |
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The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That is the role of the attorney or Guardian ad litem. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child's wishes in court. Rather, they speak to the child's best interests. |
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CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, nationwide 52% of the volunteers are employed in regular fulltime jobs; 82% are women and 18% are men. |
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CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reasons they are in court, and the roles the judges, lawyers, and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers. |
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Yes. Locally, Judge Edward Guido was instrumental in establishing the Cumberland County CASA Program. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Dept. of Justice. In 2006, Judge M.L. Ebert, Jr. also began hearing dependency cases in Cumberland County, and has embraced the CASA concept. |
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Preliminary findings have shown that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and in the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation. Judges have observed that CASA children also have greater chances of finding permanent homes than non-CASA children. |
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Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends more time conducting research and interviews prior to the first court appearance. Once the initial investigation is complete, volunteers spend approximately 10-15 hours a month maintaining contacts and gathering information. CASA volunteers meet with the child(ren) they are assigned to at least monthly. |
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The volunteer remains committed to the case until it is permanently resolved, i.e., when the child is deemed to be safe and dependency is terminated. This may take from 18 to 24 months. One of the primary benefits of the CASA Program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.
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Children from birth to 18 years of age who are victims of abuse and/or neglect and who have become wards of the court may be assigned a CASA volunteer. |
Children & Youth
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You can call the Agency and ask to speak to a Screener. This caseworker will take the information and a decision will be made regarding the Agency's need to respond. |
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There is no law in the state of Pennsylvania regarding how old a child can be to be left alone.
This agency advises callers to consider each situation individually. Things that should be considered are: age of child, length of time alone, and does the child know emergency numbers such as 9-1-1 and/or someone they should contact in case of emergency. |
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No. The law protects the confidentiality of referral sources. Callers may remain confidential in all child abuse referrals regardless of their relationship to the family. Most callers may remain confidential in other reports with the exception of callers who are making allegations against a current spouse, and ex-spouse, or a paramour with who the caller has children. School staff reporting chronic truancy of a youngster will most likely have told the parents they are planning to make the report. We never disclose or confirm confidential referral sources. |
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There is an on-call caseworker and supervisor available at all times. Call County Control at 717.243.4121 and tell them you need to speak to a Children and Youth Services caseworker about an emergency situation. They will contact our emergency duty staff immediately, who will then contact you to discuss your concerns and/or take steps to assure the safety of the child. |
Clerk of Courts
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The Clerk of Courts Office has 2 public terminals for your use or at the link below to a State Run Website. If you need a criminal record search done from the Clerk of Courts office stating you have a no record, our office will charge you $19.00 per name. More... |
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You may pay your cost & fines at the Cumberland County Courthouse, Cost & Fines Dept. on the 2nd floor, you may mail your payment, or you may pay electronically with a credit card at the link below, however please note: 3% Convenience fee added for all credit card payments. You must select Cumberland County Clerk of Court to pay the Court of Common Pleas obligations. Payments made to any other Cumberland County entity intended for the Clerk of Court will be rejected with no refund of the convenience fee and the imposition of additional fees for the rejection. Master card, Discover & American Express. OfficialPayments.com website |
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The Clerk of Courts Office must have the criminal case or you will have to contact the Magisterial District Judge that set the bail. The Clerk of Courts Office only accepts Cash or Certified Bank Check. You may contact a Professional Bondsman. Percentage bails are only accepted if ordered by a Judge. |
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Costs are mandated by law or local rule. Some fines are mandated by law, while others are determined by the Court. Restitution is determined based on the amount of damage incurred. |
CNRC
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Claremont is Medicare and Medicaid certified for 290 beds. |
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A Wing and C Wing: $240
Floors 1-4: $230 |
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Respite Care is available at Claremont. The cost is the same as the daily rate. There are Medical Assistance waiver programs available for respite care.
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Claremont is a certified home and is able to take Veterans when referred by the VA. |
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Claremont is an approved inpatient Medicare provider for Occupational, Physical and Speech therapies. |
Commissioners
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Although there are no printed maps available, the GIS Department offers access to online maps of Cumberland County. There is however, the Cumberland County Visitors Guide published by the Visitors Bureau which does have a small map inside. Cumberland County GIS Tax Mapper |
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226,117 is the most recent estimate (2006) from the U.S. Census Bureau. |
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No, the municipality or the State owns the roads. |
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Call the municipality in which the business will be located to see if they require a license. There is no requirement for a license or permit from the County, however, there may be a requirement with the local municipality, as well as the State. You may contact the State Bureau of Licensing at (717) 783-8250 or the State Corporation Bureau at (717) 783-2244. For additional information go to the State's website. Doing business in PA (PA State website) |
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The County does not have a Consumer Affairs Office. You may contact the State Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or the State Office of Consumer Advocate for Public Utilities at (717) 783-5048. For additional information go to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's website. PA State Attorney General |
Coroner
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The coroner investigates only sudden, suspicious, violent and unexplained deaths. This includes deaths of persons who may appear to have died from natural causes but are not under a doctor's care or do not have a significant medical history. The Coroner's office must also review all deaths of "persons whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination" before final disposition by the funeral director. |
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Each case is evaluated independently to determine the cause and manner of death. If the Coroner is unable to determine the cause and manner of death, the law requires that "he shall perform or order an autopsy". |
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If the Coroner orders an autopsy because he is unable to establish the cause and manner of death, the family does not have to give permission. If the Coroner does not order an autopsy, the family always has the right to have one done at their own expense. |
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The Coroner hires Pathologists or Forensic Pathologists to perform autopsies and report their findings to the Coroner. |
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The taxpayers of Cumberland County pay for services ordered by the Coroner as part of his official duties. These expenses are included in the Coroner's annual budget. |
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The only income generated by the Coroner's office is fees charged for copies of reports and for cremation releases. Generally these reports are requested by insurance companies and/or attorneys to help them to verify the circumstances of the death. Actually the fee is for the information in the report, as it is often used to help determine whether to pay an insurance claim, whether double indemnity applies or whether a lawsuit may be successful. |
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The release for cremation is required for all persons whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination (usually those who are donating the body to science). The great majority of these deaths are certified by the attending physicians and would not otherwise fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner. Each of these deaths must be reviewed and often contact must be made with the physician's office or the medical records department of the facility where death occurred. This additional workload justifies a specific fee to be paid by the users of the specific service rather than by the taxpayers in general. |
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Deputy Coroners can perform all of the duties of the Coroner, in his place, and have the same authorities, subject only to internal office procedures. |
Court Adminstration
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You must contact the court reporter assigned to the Judge who handled your case. Written requests should be sent in care of the Court Administrator's Office. |
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By law, you are not permitted to speak to the Judge except in a properly scheduled hearing. |
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The Cumberland County Law Library is located on the third floor of the New Courthouse. Hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. |
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You may write a letter to the President Judge with your complaint. |
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Contact the Court Administrator's Office by phone at 717.240.6200 or by Email |
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The original brief plus two copies. If you wish to have time stamped copies returned to you, you must provide extra copies and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Briefs are not retained after the Argument Court session has passed. In the event of a continuance or the striking of the case, the briefs must be re-filed. |
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The moving party must file a brief 12 calendar days before the date of argument. The responding party must file a brief five days prior to argument. |
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Contact the Cumberland County Bar Association at 717.249.3166 or at 800.990.9108. |
Cumberland Link
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The Cumberland Link is an Aging and Disability Resource Center. The Link assists consumers of all ages living with a disability or those consumers 60 years of age or older with accessing social services and navigating through a sometimes complex human services system.
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What is the difference between programs administered through Social Security: SSA, SSD and SSI? SSA is the basic Social Security Benefit. People who qualify for this program have paid into the system by earning enough work credits through their lifetime and have reach full retirement age. People may opt to draw on their SSA benefit as early as 62, but may receive a reduced benefit. Social Security Disability, or SSD, is similar to the SSA benefit in that a person must pay into the system to earn enough work credits. However, due to a long term disability, the person is unable to continue to work. In order to obtain SSD a person must apply for the benefit through Social Security. Many people are declined the first time they request SSD and must appeal the decision. The reason for this is to prevent fraud and, although it is not required, consulting an attorney will improve the appeal success and timeliness. SSI is considered Supplemental Security Income. This program is for people who are age 65 or older or who have not worked 40 quarters but due to disability are unable to work. To apply for this program, a person must contact Social Security. It is important to note that unlike SSA and SSD, where a person has paid into the program and the benefit is an entitlement, SSI is a program that has income and resource eligibilities and is not an entitlement. Failure to stay within the eligibility requirement will result in a reduction or termination from the program. Social Security Web Site |
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There are a number of housing complexes throughout the area which cater to specific populations of low to moderate income consumers. How each one is funded determines the population the facility can serve and income limits for the facility. Some of these facilities also have subsidized rent. The subsidy is determined by a person’s income, less certain expenses. When a person resides in a facility offering a subsidy, the rent assistance will end when the person leaves the facility. The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly referred to as Section 8, offers a similar subsidy as the above mentioned subsidized housing complexes. However, a person is issued a Housing Choice Voucher under this program. That person must find a landlord in the community or a housing complex which is willing to accept the voucher. When a person with the Housing Choice Voucher wishes to move, they can take the voucher, and therefore the subsidy, with them. For more information on either of these programs, contact the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authority or the Cumberland Link
CC Housing and Redevelopment Authority |
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House keeping is a big concern for many people, particularly those who experience physical limitations due to age or disability. However, if the only service a person needs is house keeping, they will need to purchase the service through an independent agency providing in-home care or house keeping. If a person has more needs, such as assistance with bathing, laundry due to incontinence issues or meal preparations, there may be resources available to help off-set the costs associated with these services.
Essentially, there are three programs which may assist a person with such needs:
For those 60 years of age or older, Cumberland County Aging and Community Services can provide Options services to meet needs.
People 18 to 59 years old can obtain services through HSDF, Human Services Development Fund. United Cerebral Palsy assists with the administration of the HSDF program which often has a waiting list for services.
The third possibility for getting services mentioned above are called Waiver programs. There are a number of Waiver programs designed for various consumers who require Nursing Home Level of Care but opt to remain in the community. Contact the Link for more information on the various Waiver Programs.
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There are various programs and agencies which can help with utility bills. Contact the Link to determine which programs in your area can help.
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Many people have issues with making ends meet financially. However, there are limited resources to help with providing funds directly to a consumer. Many times, the Link can help with determining what programs a person may be eligible for that might better use the money they have coming in. In some instances, however, a person may be better suited to speak with a program geared towards financial education or money management. Contact the Link to see where you can access services to help with developing better financial plan.
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Domestic Relations
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A spouse or custodial parent/guardian may file a support action by appearing at the Domestic Relations Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. For further information, please review Filing for Support |
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The amount of child support awarded by the court is established in accordance with the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines, which are in the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16. The Support Guidelines were developed on the premise that the child(ren) of separated or divorced parents should receive the same proportion of parental incomes as if the parents were together. For further information, please review Establishing a Establishing a Support Order |
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Upon filing for support, if the parties already have an agreement regarding the support issues (financial amount, medical provision, effective date), they may appear in the office to sign a support agreement. For further information, please review the third paragraph of Establishing a Support Order |
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The Court will use all methods available by law to compel payment of the support order including incarceration. For further information, please review Enforcing a Support Order |
Drug & Alcohol - Evaluation, Treatment, Case Management & Funding
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You may contact any Drug and Alcohol Treatment provider listed in the phone book; providers each have their own rate for this service. Cumberland-Perry D&A does NOT pay for ARD or DUI evaluations. |
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If you are incarcerated in a county prison, Cumberland-Perry D&A accepts referrals from your probation officer, your attorney, and/or the case manager at the prison. We do not accept referrals from friends or family members, and we do not do assessments at state or federal prisons. |
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Call or come into the Cumberland-Perry D&A office, where we have local meeting schedules available. Or contact the following answering services: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)....717.234.5390 or [toll-free] 888.930.4589
Narcotics Anonymous (NA).....717.233.3733
Al Anon/Alateen..........................717.257.1033 or [toll-free] 877.501.1205 Or find this information online... (see our web page) |
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If you think you need detox, contact Cumberland-Perry D&A during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM). If you are calling after business hours, you can contact one of the following: Crisis Intervention
Holy Spirit Hospital.............................717.763.2222
Carlisle Regional Medical Center...717.243.6005
All other areas.....................................800.350.HELP Common Ground (Harrisburg)........888.237.8984 Roxbury (Shippensburg)..................800.648.4673 More... |
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If you are requesting inpatient treatment, please contact Cumberland-Perry D&A and ask to speak to the prescreener. We will schedule you for an assessment and determine if you meet eligibility requirements for funding. |
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If you are scheduled for an assessment at Cumberland-Perry D&A, please bring a photo ID, copy of your birth certificate, proof of income, proof of residence, and documentation of any medical problems, including unpaid medical bills, with you to your appointment. (If you go directly to detox without meeting with a case manager first, you should bring this paperwork along with you to the treatment facility.) If you do not have some of this information, your case manager can help you to obtain it. |
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A case manager is a trained specialist who will assist you in identifying your treatment needs through a process called an assessment or an evaluation. If you are recommended for Inpatient Treatment, your Case Manager will refer you to an appropriate provider agency and monitor your progress during your stay. |
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Contact Cumberland-Perry D&A for information about local, licensed outpatient treatment providers, or contact one of our contracted providers directly. More... |
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Yes. Intensive Case Management (ICM) services are available to clients who are actively pursuing recovery and need a more involved level of case management. ICM services address a variety of needs, including help with getting housing, education, child care, and employment. More... |
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Eligibility for funding is determined on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your present situation as well as the circumstances relating to your previous treatment experiences. |
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All information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with Federal, State, and HIPAA confidentiality laws and regulations. Information is disclosed only with written consent of the client, or by subpoena and court order from a judge. However, if the Case Manager suspects a client may be suicidal or homicidal, or if any harm to a child is disclosed, the Case Manager has a professional responsibility to share this information with appropriate persons to ensure safety. |
Drug & Alcohol - School-Based Intervention (SAP)
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In Pennsylvania, every middle school and high school and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). The purpose of this program is to be a resource for parents, school staff, and other people who care when students are showing warning signs of problems which may affect their success in school. Read more about SAP and services we provide... |
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Any concerned individual may refer a student by contacting the student’s guidance counselor or any member of the Student Assistance Team at their school. |
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An adolescent drug and alcohol (D&A) assessment is an evaluation process conducted by a substance abuse professional experienced with identifying, evaluating, and recommending treatment for adolescents with alcohol or other drug abuse and related problems. More... |
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Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize the signs of alcohol and other drug use in adolescents, but there are some behaviors that are definite warning signs. More... |
GIS
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GIS is a subdivision of Information Management that is concerned with the spatial relationships of people, places, and things. The GIS Department creates and maintains the County's geospatial database and maps. |
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In addition to the various levels of government that use GIS to advance business decisions and improve the delivery of services, may other fields take advantage of this technology. Professionals in fields varying from utilities, engineering, health care, environmental concerns, and business development make use of this technology. |
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GIS supports the Department of Public Safety by developing the information that is used in dispatch of emergency services. GIS has also supported Planning with development of a zoning layer to better manage the growth within the county. Planning also uses GIS to support economic development, recreation, and farmland preservation. Vector Control uses GIS to administer the West Nile and Gypsy Moth programs in conjunction with the state. Conservation District uses GIS to support the Chesapeake Bay program, soil erosion control, and storm water management. Finally, Tax Assessment uses GIS to maintain a visual record of the tax base of the county. |
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Most every person has used GIS. If you have every used MapQuest for directions or Google Earth to look at any part of the country, then you have used a GIS-based application. Additionally, many local governments, including Cumberland County, offer services on the internet to assist citizens. |
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Yes. The county currently has 1' pixel resolution color photography. These pictures were flown by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in April 2007. The County has also be received 2' elevation contours that were collected with the photos. |
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The data is completely updated at least once quarterly. Layers that require weekly maintenance are updated more frequently. Roads are generally updated every two weeks if possible as are the tax parcels. |
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No. The Tax Mapping Department handles the release of all GIS Data and the production of paper maps. The Tax Mapping Department is located in the Old Courthouse and can be contacted by calling 717.240.6350. |
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The best thing that can be done is to wait 15 minutes and try using the application again. If the application works after waiting, it was probably stopped by our department for maintenance. If the application is down for an extended period of time, please notify our office (toll free) at 888.697.0371 x6419 and we will promptly look into the cause. |
Human Resources
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Please click on the 'Careers' link at the top of our site. It will take you to the most recent job openings within the County. The openings are categorized within the page. Click on the job that you are interested in for a detailed description. |
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We do prefer that all candidates apply online and advise that you create a username and password for future logins. |
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All positions available at the County will be posted. If you do not see a posting for a particular position and want to apply anyway, please fill out an application using the PDF file at the bottom of the 'Career' page. You will need to save it to your computer, fill it out the interactive form, attach it to an email to humanresources@ccpa.net along with any other attachments that you would like to send. Your application will remain on file up to a year from the date you submitted it. |
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We will keep your application on file for a year from the date you submitted it to us. |
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Please feel free to call into our office to speak with our HR Generalist. Our main office line is 717.240.6165. |
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We typically advise applicants to wait at least a week from the date the application was submitted before contacting our office. By allowing a week, it gives us time to process the application here in HR, and then to send it to the hiring department for their review. |
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Please visit the link on HR's homepage titled "Overview of 2008 Benefits." |
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Yes. Unless you create an account on our site with a username and password. The advantage in doing this, is that you can go into the positions you are intersted, click 'Apply Now' and it will automatically populate your application. If anything needs to be edited on your part, you may do so then. |
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Yes. We do offer a comprehensive Tuition Assistance plan for County employees. |
IMTO
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Most of the files Cumberland County provides are in Adobe PDF format, but in some cases Cumberland County provides files in Microsoft format. Please follow the link provided to download the available readers. Available Readers.... |
Juvenile Probation
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Your son/daughter is referred to our office by local police departments when alleged charges are filed consisting of misdemeanor or felonies. A juvenile referral form is submitted by the arresting officer listing the juvenile's information, the alleged charges, and a detailed summary of what occurred that lead to the charges being filed by the police. |
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When our department receives a juvenile referral form by the referring police department, it is reviewed by the department supervisor and the Youth Aid Panel Coordinator to determine appropriateness into the Youth Aid Panel Program. If consideration is given to this program, you will be sent a letter with an enclosed "family history" form for you to fill out and return to our department within five days. When we receive this form, you will receive another letter indicating the time and date of your child's panel meeting. If your child is not determined to be appropriate for the Youth Aid Panel Program, you will receive a letter from a Probation Officer indicating a time and date for your child's intake interview in our office. You will be asked to bring the following information concerning your child with you to the interview: 1) Birth Certificate 2) Social Security Card 3) Driver's License/Learner's Permit 4) Most Recent Report Card. Furthermore, you will be asked to return an enclosed "family history" form within five days to our department. |
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The intake interview consists of the juvenile, parents, Intake Probation Officer and the juvenile's attorney (if they desire to have one present at the interview) and is conducted at the Juvenile Probation Department. At the Intake interview, the alleged charges will be reviewed. Your child will be questioned about their involvement in the alleged charge(s) and will be asked if they are going to plead guilty or not guilty. If pleading guilty, the Intake Officer will continue to gather important information concerning your child's homelife, school, employment and counseling. This information will be used to present a dispositional recommendation to the Juvenile Court concerning your child. If your child pleads not guilty, a Determination of Guilt Hearing will be scheduled in Juvenile Court before the Juvenile Court Judge at which time the judge will find your child guilty or not guilty of the alleged charges. |
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Your child has a right to be represented by counsel in Juvenile Court proceedings. Should your child be scheduled to appear before the Juvenile Court Judge, you may wish to pursue a private attorney on your own or have the Court appoint a Public Defender to represent your child at no cost to you. |
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A child ten years of age or older whom the Court has found to have committed a delinquent act and is in need of treatment, supervision or rehabilitation. |
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If your child is granted probation by the Court, they will be expected to abide by all rules and conditions of their probation supervision which may be changed by the Court depending on the juveniles progress and positive or negative adjustment. Juveniles on probation will be responsible for attending all scheduled appointments at the Juvenile Probation Department and following through with all aspects of their probation which may include restitution, community service, drug and alcohol counseling, random urine screens, family therapy, mental health counseling, appropriate school behavior and electronic monitoring. |
Library System
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The public libraries in Cumberland County, in cooperation with the administrative office of Cumberland County Library System, provide Library Services All in One Place. To find out specific information about a location, visit the Locations & Hours page. |
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Anyone may use any of the member libraries in the Cumberland County Library System (CCLS). Some benefits are limited to card holders. Card Benefits |
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You can get a free library card if:
- You live or pay property taxes in Cumberland County or the Shippensburg Area School District; or,
- You have a card from a Pennsylvania public library that has a blue Access Pennsylvania symbol on it.
If you don't live or pay taxes in Cumberland County or the Shippensburg School District, you can:
- Buy a library card for $5 per month. You can pay monthly, quarterly or annually.
Detailed information on getting a library card. |
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If you live or pay property taxes in Cumberland County or Shippensburg Area School District, you can use any library in Cumberland County. To find your nearest library, visit our locations and hours page. It includes a county map, and a search by town/township or ZIP code. |
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The CCLS administrative office is a very active department of government within Cumberland County. For this reason, we maintain a library services web site, including a large list of frequently asked questions. See many more questions and answers... |
Mental Health
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Residents of Cumberland or Perry Counties may call either:
The Stevens Center - 717.243.6033 x234
Holy Spirit Behavioral Health Center -717.763.2219.Ask for Intake. |
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Residents who have medical assistance (or HealthChoices) can contact the Community Behavioral Health Care Network of Pennsylvania at 888.722.8646 and ask for member services. For residents with limited or no private insurance coverage, no eligibility for Medical Assistance / HealthChoices, and no other resources to pay for mental health services, the County Mental Health Program Office funds local agencies to provide behavioral health services. The County Program also pays for selected specialized services that typical private insurance and HealthChoices do not cover. Priority is given to persons with serious and persistent mental illness. |
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To receive a prescription requires an evaluation by a staff psychiatrist or certified nurse practitioner and are ordinarily scheduled six weeks to two months in advance. The best thing to do immediately is to contact the doctor who has been seeing you and arrange for prescriptions to cover you for up to two months. Then contact either The Stevens Center in Carlisle at 717.243.6033 (x225 or x234) or Holy Spirit Behavioral Health Center in Camp Hill at 717.763.2219 and ask for intake. |
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These evaluations are the responsibility of the individual and must be arranged for privately. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the phone directory for "Physicians - Psychiatric" to make private arrangements. |
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If the behavior is threatening or violent, take steps to protect (remove) yourself and loved ones immediately, then call the police (9-1-1). If you believe there is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the behavior is not immediately dangerous, call Crisis Intervention at 866.350.4357. |
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All private insurance companies issue member cards. Usually there is a phone number for member services on that card to get information regarding services and providers. Many insurance companies now also maintain websites with similar information available. |
Mental Retardation
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Please call the MR Service Office at 888.697.0371 x6320 and ask for Intake. |
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Please call the office at 888.697.0371 x6320 and ask for Intake. During the intake process, that determination is made. Since Mental Retardation Services are voluntary, it is imperative the individual or their parent / legal guardian make the referral, not the school, doctor, or any other outside organization or person. |
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Waivers are the primary funding source for mental retardation supports and services in Pennsylvania. Waivers are combined with federal and state funds. Waiver funding is limited and is based on eligibility and availability of funding. |
MH Outpatient Services
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Outpatient services are office-based appointments that are offered at a provider's office. Most providers have day and evening hours available to accommodate the individual's schedule. Providers are located throughout Cumberland and Perry counties. |
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Most providers accept private insurances and/or Medical Assistance. Some providers have sliding scale fees based on family income. Some County funding is available for county residents based on income level and related factors. |
MR Early Intervention
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1. A service coordinator will contact you to set up an initial evaluation, usually in your home. 2. Your child will be evaluated in six areas of development: cognitive, speech, gross motor, fine motor, social / emotional, and self help. 3. If your child is eligible for service, the Service Coordinator and therapists will work with you to develop a plan which will help your child meet their individual needs. 4. The evaluation process and planning must occur within 45 calendar days from first date of contact. |
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The responsibility for service then shifts to the Department of Education. The Capital Area Intermediate Unit is the local provider of care for this area. At least 90 days before a child's third birthday, your child's Service Coordinator, a representative from the Intermediate Unit, and the child's parents will meet to begin the planning process to continue services. |
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If your child is between birth and three years old, contact the Early Intervention Unit of this office at 717.240.6320 and ask to speak to Early Intervention Intake. If your child is aged three years through school age, call the Capital Area Intermediate Unit and press zero at prompt. |
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We offer a host of supports to families in their typical routines and settings such as home, child care program, the playground, grocery store, the park, etc. Services can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special instruction, audiological services, supports for children with vision or hearing issues, and many more. All services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the family. The family is a very important part of the team to help make all decisions about their child's services and plan. |
Planning
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Call your local municipality or view Municipal Zoning Maps page and take advantage of the Interactive Zoning Mapping. Municipal Zoning Maps |
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Please review the following link or contact the planning office with questions? More... |
Prothonotary
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On the first floor of the New Courthouse to the left after you pass through security. |
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No, there are not forms for everything. Please see Printable Forms on our homepage to see what's available.
what's available for downloading on your PC. |
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See Passports on our homepage. |
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Individuals have 30 days from the date of the letter from PennDot to
appeal. There are no forms to complete for this appeal. Consult
legal counsel ore research the PA Rules of Civil Procedure in the law
library located on the 3rd floor of the New Courthouse. (see Prothonotary Fees) |
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When you receive your bond, visit the Recorder of Deeds Office to file your bond. When that is completed, you are to come to our office to record your signature. Payment is made by cash or money order. (see Prothonotary Fees) |
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Annulments are treated the same as a Divorce. We do not recommend that you use forms that you take from the Web or purchase at a book store because this paperwork may not apply to what is required in Cumberland County. Consult legal counsel. If you decide that you want to do the filing yourself, you must research the PA Rules of Civil Procedure to see what is satisfactory to this Court. Note that the staff here in the Prothonotary's Office is not able to help you with this paperwork. |
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For a Certified copy of your divorce decree, you will need cash or money
order for $14.00. You can do this by personally coming in to our office
or by mail. If you choose to do this by mail, please include as much
information as you can in your cover letter: docket number/plaintiff's name/defendant's name/phone number where you can be reached, etc.. Include a SASE and a money order for $14.00. Please make sure your request is legible. |
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Contact the Cumberland County Bar Association at: 717.249.3166 |
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No, you must contact the Register of Wills. If you have been divorced, you must have a certified copy of your
divorce decree, which can be obtained in this office, in order to proceed with your new marriage license. |
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Defendants can appeal a DJ Judgment within 30 days from the date of the Judgment. Appeal forms can only be found in our office. You will need to bring in a copy of your "Notice of Judgment/Transcript" form. Once the appeal form is completed, you have 10 days to do service. Payment for transaction is made by cash or money order. (see Prothonotary Fees) |
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After 30 days from the day of your Judgment, come to our office with the following: the original judgment twice signed by the District Justice and the DJ seal, a copy for the defendant, a SASE addressed to the defendant, and cash or money order in the proper amount. (see Prothonotary Fees) However, within those 30 days the defendant can file an appeal. If this was done, you can not file a Judgment. |
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If the biological father's name is not on the birth certificate and he is marrying the mother, and the child has not started school, you can complete the information on the back of the birth certificate and send it to the: Office of Vital Statistics, Division of Vital Records
101 South Mercer Street
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16101
In all other circumstances, you must petition the Court. |
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A Notice to Resume Prior Surname can be completed here after a divorce complaint is entered in our office. This must be completed in the county where the divorce action is filed.
An Official Name Change must follow the PA Rules of Civil Procedure.
There is no form for this. You must research what needs to be filed or contact an attorney. (see Prothonotary Fees)
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Public Defender
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No, we only provide legal representation in criminal matters. |
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No, Public Defenders are only permitted to provide court-appointed legal defense in criminal matters. |
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Yes, all Public Defenders are graduates of accredited law schools. |
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No, our services are provided free of charge to qualifying defendants. |
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That question must be answered by the District Judge at the preliminary hearing level, or by a Judge at the Common Pleas level. The Public Defender Office does not establish guidelines for representation. |
Recycling & Waste Authority
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Composting is a natural process where organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and vegetable scraps, are broken down by microorganisms, forming a rich soil-like substance called compost or humus. For more details and information about composting, please visit DEP's composting web site. |
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There are several possible ways to distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint. If possible, read the label. Solvent-based paint labels usually contain the words "alkyl" or "oil-based". Clean-up instructions on the label can also indicate whether a paint product is solvent-based or water-based. Typically solvent-based paints require mineral spirits or turpentine for cleaning. If cleaning can be done with soap and water, the paint is water-based. If the label is missing or unreadable, determine the paint's solubility in water. A small amount of paint in a jar mixed with water will show whether it is latex or solvent-based. Latex paint readily mixes with water. Solvent-based paint is insoluble in water - the paint and water will separate like vinegar and oil. |
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It is best to call your hauler for specific instructions on what to place in your recycling bin. Interstate Waste Services of PA, LLC
620 Newville Rd
Newburg, PA 17240
(717) 423-5917 Independent Environmental Services, Inc. (IESI)
PO BOX 399
Scotland, PA 17254
(717) 709-1700 Penn Waste, Inc.
PO Box 3066
York, PA 17042
(717) 767-4456 Waste Management of Central PA
4300 Industrial Park Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 232-0878 Waste Management of Greencastle
9446 Letzburg Road
Greencastle, PA 17225
1-800-433-7317 York Waste Disposal, Inc.
1110 E. Princess Street
PO Box 1401
York, PA 17405-1401
1-800-210-YORK
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Certain auto parts stores, service stations and automotive repair shops in Cumberland County accept used motor oil and other automotive products from citizens for free or at a nominal charge. For more information, visit our Automobile Fluids and Components Recycling Table. |
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Many common household products contain hazardous ingredients and need to be handled and disposed of safely. To permit this, CCR&WA conducts a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off program. This program provides a means for the residents of Cumberland County to properly get rid of unwanted or unused household hazardous waste they may have. Items accepted include materials such as used motor oil, gasoline, oil-based paint and paint products, pesticides, fertilizers, and pool chemicals. For further information, visit our Household Hazardous Waste Web Page. |
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Disposing of old, unwanted appliances can be a daunting task. An examination of any illegal roadside dumpsite will confirm this, as appliances have historically been dumped in these areas. There are, however, more appropriate ways to dispose of these items. First, many appliance retailers will take away an old appliance when delivering a new one, so be sure to ask about this service when purchasing a new, replacement appliance. If the appliance is not being replaced and you just want to get rid of it, you may be able to set the appliance out with your weekly trash (in areas that have weekly trash service) as part of a weekly bulky item collection program. Call your municipality or waste hauler to see if this service is offered where you live. Usually these programs only permit the set out of appliances that do not contain a refrigerant. Appliances that contain a refrigerant include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Several retailers will take these items for a fee. Several metal recyclers will also take old appliances at no charge. The exception is the refrigerant-containing appliances, which they either will not take or will take for a fee. Finally, you can bring any old, unwanted appliance to our appliance recycling event free of charge. For more information, visit our Appliance Recycling Web Page. |
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Several local outlets exist for this material, including all Staples stores and a business in Carlisle called The Computer Barn. Additionally, Cumberland County residents can get rid of their old, unwanted electronic equipment by participating in CCR&WA's consumer electronics recycling program. For information on the program, visit our Consumer Electronics Recycling Web Page. |
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Embarq maintains a year round phone book recycling container at their office in Carlisle located at 1532 Commerce Avenue. The details are shown below. Additionally, if your waste and recycling hauler is Penn Waste, Waste Management, or York Waste Disposal, you can simply put your old telephone books in your curbside recycling container. |
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The following full service haulers are registered with the CCR&WA and can provide trash disposal and recycling services: Interstate Waste Services of PA, LLC
620 Newville Rd
Newburg, PA 17240
(717) 423-5917 Independent Environmental Services, Inc. (IESI)
PO BOX 399
Scotland, PA 17254
(717) 709-1700 Penn Waste, Inc.
PO Box 3066
York, PA 17042
(717) 767-4456 Waste Management of Central PA
4300 Industrial Park Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 232-0878 Waste Management of Greencastle
9446 Letzburg Road
Greencastle, PA 17225
1-800-433-7317 York Waste Disposal, Inc.
1110 E. Princess Street
PO Box 1401
York, PA 17405-1401
1-800-210-YORK
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Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court
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We have wills from 1750 to the present. |
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Our birth and death records are from 1894 to 1906. After 1906 all birth and death records are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. |
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We have marriage records from 1885 to the present provided they applied in Cumberland County |
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Orphans' Court records are available from 1750 to the present. |
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No, appointments are not necessary. |
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Our hours are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays. |
Sheriff's Firearms
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Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and reside in Cumberland County.
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No. The application must be returned in person to the Sheriff's Office.
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A License to Carry Firearms is valid for a period of 5 years.
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The license fee is $25.00. A current photo (no more than six months old and approximately 2"x2" in size) is required to attach to your application. You may provide your own picture that will stay with the application, and if approved, you will receive as your license a 3" x 5" paper copy. OPTION - You may have your photo taken at the Sheriff's Office. If you choose this option there is an additional $5.00 fee and if approved, you will receive a plastic photo card (similar to a driver's license) as your firearms license. This fee is collected when you submit your application for processing.
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It may take up to forty-five days to process your application. You will be notified by mail when your License to Carry is approved. You must come to the Sheriff's Office in person to pick up your license.
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You will be required to show photo identification, preferably your current driver’s license or a photo identification card issued by PennDOT, with correct address. You will need the mailing addresses and home telephone numbers of two character references that are residents of Cumberland County, and that you have known for at least one year. You will also need to bring the required fee (cash, money order or certified check is accepted; credit cards are not accepted).
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You may apply for a License to Carry Firearms in Pennsylvania if you live in another state as long as you possess a current license, permit, or similar document to carry a firearm issued by that state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state. These laws are published annually in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury under 18 U.S.C. 921 (a) 19.
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Your License to Carry Firearms is valid throughout the state of Pennsylvania. You do not need to get a new license with your new address on it. However, you should notify the Sheriff’s Office of your change of address. When your current license expires, you should go to the Sheriff’s Office in the county that you currently reside to reapply.
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An individual who is 21 years of age or older may apply for a License to Carry Firearms by submitting a completed application to their local Sheriff’s Office along with the required fee. The Sheriff has 45 days to conduct an investigation to determine an individual’s eligibility to be issued a license. The issuance of a License to Carry Firearms allows individuals to carry a firearm concealed on or about their person, or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth. An individual who is 18 years of age or older and is licensed to hunt, trap, or fish, or who has been issued a permit relating to hunting dogs, may apply for a Sportsman’s Permit by submitting a completed application along with the required fee to the County Treasurer’s Office. The permit shall be issued immediately and be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue for any “legal firearm,” when carried in conjunction with a valid hunting, fur taking or fishing license, or permit relating to hunting dogs. The issuance of a Sportsman's Firearm Permit allows the individual to carry a firearm if such persons are actually hunting, taking furbearers or fishing, or are going to the places where they desire to hunt, take furbearers or fish, or returning from such places. |
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Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, Wyoming, North Carolina, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Alaska. Valid Pennsylvania licenses are recognized in these fifteen states. Licenses issued in these fifteen states will also be recognized as a valid License to Carry Firearms in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania residents who have a valid License to Carry concealed may also carry a firearm in the states of Idaho, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Arizona and Indiana. |
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A license to carry firearms is required to carry a handgun in a vehicle, except in certain situations. An unloaded, securely wrapped handgun may be carried without a license when changing residences, when going to and from target practice, or to and from one’s home to a vacation or recreational home. Rifles and shotguns may be carried in a vehicle as long as they are unloaded.
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Your License to Carry Firearms does not exempt you from obeying any local statutes or ordinances governing behavior with firearms. Some examples of places where your License to Carry Firearms does not authorize you to carry your firearm are: On federal property, court facilities, school district property, state parks and any other place which is prohibited by law to carry a firearm. Also, you are prohibited to carry a firearm any place which has a written policy prohibiting firearms on their premises.
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Handgun transfers must take place through a Pennsylvania Licensed Firearms Dealer. Handgun transfers between spouses, parents and children, and grandparents and grandchildren do not need to go through a Pennsylvania Licensed Firearms Dealer.
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Pennsylvania Law does not require private transfers of long guns to be conducted through a Pennsylvania Licensed Firearms Dealer. It is against the law to sell/transfer a firearm to an individual who you know is prohibited from possessing a firearm. |
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You will need to appear in person at the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Firearms and Licensing division to complete an application for a License to SEll Precious Metals. The fee to apply is $50.00 (payment is to be made by cash, check or money order; credit cards are not accepted). The License is good for one year. |
Sheriff's Office
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You must complete an application and return it to our office in person. Firearms Division |
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Service of a complaint or summons for one defendant located in Cumberland County requires a deposit fee of $100. Service of more than one defendant or service upon a defendant located outside Cumberland County requires a deposit of at least $150. A Service Request Form is available on the Sheriff's Office website. |
Sheriff's Real Estate Sales
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Sheriff's Sales of real estate are regularly scheduled four times per year (March, June, September and December).
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The sale is conducted in the Cumberland County Courthouse. The specific room location will be posted at every entrance to the courthouse; or Deputies posted at each entrance may direct you to the room.
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The sales are advertised in the Carlisle section of the Harrisburg Patriot News for three consecutive Wednesdays prior to the sale. The first advertisement is approximately thirty days prior to the sale date. In addition, you may view the list of properties on this website.
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The property is sold "sight unseen." The property is not available for inspection. |
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The plaintiff in each civil action has been issued a judgment against the owner. In most cases, the plaintiff is a mortgage company who has not received mortgage payments from the owner of the property. The Sheriff's Sale process allows the plaintiff to either recover the judgment amount plus costs, or receive a deed to the property. |
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As the staff of the Sheriff's Office is unable to provide legal advice regarding judgments or liens and the responsibility of the purchaser to the judgments or liens, we strongly suggest that any party interested in bidding on a property consult with an attorney.
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All bidders are required to register with a representative of the Sheriff's Office and sign a terms and conditions agreement. A photo identification is required to register. Registration is held the day of the sale. It is recommended that you appear at the sale approximately one half hour prior to the start to register. You may view the terms and conditions agreement by using the left hand link "terms and conditions." After registering, you will be given a number to use for bidding. The property will be sold by an auctioneer. |
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The auctioneer will begin the bidding at $1.00. The property will be sold to the highest bidder. |
Special Court Administration
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$34.50 (This amount is subject to annual legislative fee adjustment - 2006 fee shown) made payable to whichever District Court is performing the wedding. You must apply for the license at least 3 business days prior to the ceremony in the Cumberland County Register of Wills office. The following DJ's perform weddings: Brewbaker
Day
Bender
Martin
Cohick
Dougherty
Clement The following DJ's do not perform weddings: Manlove
Placey
Correal
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NO. The District Judge and staff are prohibited from giving such advice. The Judge and staff are expected to continually maintain an unbiased and totally independent judiciary. Providing such assistance/guidance would significantly jeopardize such independence. The MDJ and staff can provide some limited guidance/instruction regarding the manner of completing some of the forms which must be completed and filed in the District Courts. Litigants should refer such inquiries to their attorney. |
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You may file a suit with a district judge at the Magisterial District Court if you have a complaint against a person or business and wish to recover an amount of money totaling $8,000 or less. This is called a civil lawsuit. The $8,000 limit does not include the court costs involved in the suit, or any interest which may be due on your claim. If you are successful, you are entitled to be reimbursed for court costs. The district judge is a judge assigned to hear these types of cases. If you are involved in a dispute over a landlord/tenant issue, the time frame for hearings and appeals is different from those addressed in this pamphlet. You may also be brought before a district judge to answer a summary offense charge or a motor vehicle violation. The proceedings are similar but each has specific rules not covered in this pamphlet. |
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Claims for $8,000 or less may be filed in Common Pleas Court; however, District Courts are less formal, less expensive and faster than Common Pleas Courts. Also, you need an attorney in Common Pleas Court. In a District Court, an attorney is not required, but it may be advisable to have one present for certain types of cases. |
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In District Court proceedings, individuals may be represented by themselves or by counsel and corporations may be represented by their officers or counsel. It must be a person legally authorized to handle and settle the claim (After 1 August 2006 a non lawyer with personal knowledge of the case may represent a party IF the appropriate paper work has been filed with the Court for each and every case that the non lawyer will act as representative.) |
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No. The District Court can not order the return of property. If this is what you seek you must go to the Common Pleas Court. |
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If you decide to sue in a District Court, you must decide which district judge has authority to handle the suit. There are rules that govern where a suit may be filed. Generally, the suit must be filed where the person you are suing lives or is located, or where your claim arose. For example, a small claim arising out of a traffic accident or contract dispute could be filed with the district judge who serves the territory where the accident occurred or where the contract was signed.
The District Court closest to you can tell you if the suit is within that district. District judges may be listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book under "District Justice" or "Justice of the Peace." |
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Once you have found the correct office, the next step is to file a complaint on a standard form you can obtain from the District Court. The form is easy to complete. The important items on the form are:
• Your name and address;
• The name and address of the person or business you want to sue;
• The amount of money you are suing for, including all expenses; and a short statement of why you believe you are entitled to the money. Be sure to provide enough information so the person you are suing knows why he or she is being sued. Include the date when things important to your case may have happened.
Although the complaint may be filed by mail, it is advisable to submit it personally to the District Court. It will be easier for the clerk to tell you whether your complaint has been properly completed, and, if it is not, how it should be corrected. It will also be easier to determine precisely what fees you must pay. Keep in mind that if you succeed in the suit, the party you are suing (the defendant) will be required to pay you back for the cost of filing the suit. There will be an additional fee for service of the complaint to the defendant which will vary according to how it is served.
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Once you have filed a complaint, the clerk will schedule a hearing between 12 and 60 days from the time you file. The law requires that before the hearing, the other party must receive a copy of the complaint. This can be done in one of two ways:
• You can request that the complaint be sent by certified mail. The letter will be delivered to the defendant and the receipt will be returned to the district judge as proof that it was received; or
• The complaint can be delivered by the constable for an additional fee which can be recovered if you win the suit. Sometimes having the complaint personally served is more effective because a person may not be home or may refuse to accept a certified letter and a constable can make certain that the complaint is served.
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No. If a defense is entered a new trial time and date will be set and notice sent to all parties. The original date is the time by which the other party must notify the District Court that they intend to enter a defense to the suit. If no defense is entered by that set date a default judgment will be awarded in your favor. |
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Continuances are permitted at the discretion of the judge. You can file a written request or motion justifying the need for a continuance that may be granted or denied. You will need to contact the other party to see if they are willing to agree to the continuance, which will enhance your ability to get the continuance. |
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You should gather all documents and papers relating to the suit. It is also a good idea to line up supportive witnesses to be present at the hearing. |
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At the trial, those present will be the judge, you (the plaintiff), your witnesses, and your lawyer if you choose to have one, the defendant, defense witnesses, and possibly the defendant's lawyer. The courtroom will always be open to the public. The judge will explain the procedure to you. Do not be afraid to ask questions. During the trial, you will be given an opportunity to tell what happened that caused you to sue the defendant. Show any papers, bills, receipts, or letters you have to the judge. You will probably be asked questions by the other side, or by the judge. Then your witnesses will be allowed to tell what they know about the case. The defendant will be given the same opportunity. You and the defendant will be permitted to ask questions of any witness. The judge's decision will be made within five days of the trial and all parties are notified by mail. |
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If you succeed, the other party may arrange to pay you in installments, lasting up to 12 months, as set by the district justice. However, the defendant has 30 days to appeal the decision to Common Pleas Court and you cannot collect your money until that time has passed. If there is an appeal, a Notice of Appeal is filed with the prothonotary in the county courthouse. Copies of the notice will be served on both you and the district judge who made the decision. The notice prevents you from collecting any money until the appeal is decided. If the district justice's decision is in favor of the defendant, you have the right to appeal in the same manner. Please note that any party filing an appeal must also file a Proof of Service of copies of his Notice of Appeal no later than 10 days after the appeal is filed. If appealed, the case will then be heard in Common Pleas Court. Since the procedure of this court is governed by more formal rules, the presence of an attorney is strongly advised. |
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If your suit was successful and after 30 days you still have not collected your money, ask the district judge to issue an Order of Execution. This involves filling out a form that the district judge gives to the sheriff or constable, who then attempts to collect the money owed to you. Any fees you pay will be charged to the other party when the money is collected. An execution order permits a sheriff or constable to levy on property, which means that property of the defendant can be sold to pay the debt. However, you should realize that it is difficult to collect payment from someone who has no property or money. |
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Call the Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service toll free at 800-692-7375 or 717-238-6807. The Cumberland County Bar Association number is 717-249-3166. Check your yellow pages under "attorneys" for more details. |
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The complaint is the document that you file with the magisterial district court to begin your civil action against person[s] or business[es]. You are listed as the PLAINTIFF and whom you are suing is listed as the DEFENDANT. You will need to know and include on the form the correct name and address of all DEFENDANT[s] so they may be properly given notice that a civil action has been filed against them. If notice is not properly served the case can proceed no further, until such time as you supply a valid name and address.
You will also need to know where to file your complaint and complete the claim, including the amount of monetary damages you are requesting as part of your claim. The clerks at the magisterial district court will complete the filing cost and docket number portions of the complaint. Please do not include the filing costs as part of your claim amount. |
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The complaint must be filed with a magisterial district court that has venue over the claim. Venue is the geographic location where either a defendant can be served or where the cause of action occurred. For example, where the defendant lives or where the accident occurred. Landlord Tenant complaints are filed where the property is located. |
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The first line of the claim has a line for you to fill in the amount you are owed because of the actions of defendant. Amounts owed more than $8000.00 can not be filed with a magisterial district court. Your claim must be on the form, not on attached sheets, simply indicating why you are requesting a monetary award. For example, Defendant has not paid money owed you under a contract or Defendant’s vehicle struck your vehicle causing damages. Include the time, date, and or place of the contract or accident into claim where you know it. |
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A summary offense is any minor crime, initially heard and decided by a district justice. Many violations of the Motor Vehicle Code, such as speeding, illegal parking and going through a red light, are summary offenses. However, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a summary offense, it is a misdemeanor, which is a more serious crime. Non-traffic summary offenses include disorderly conduct, underage drinking, harassment, criminal mischief and first offense shoplifting.
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Most summary crimes are enforced by a citation issued by a police officer to the person who is charged with committing the offense. Normally, the citation is handed to the person charged by a police officer who has observed the incident. If no officer was present, or if, for any valid reason, the officer decides not to issue the citation at the scene, a citation/ summons may be sent by mail. In certain circumstances, a police officer may arrest someone, take him/her into custody and then before a magisterial district judge (formerly called a district justice). In that case, a hearing can be requested. The hearing may be held immediately or at a later time, for which the magisterial district judge may require security to guarantee that person’s appearance. A citation will still be prepared and given to that person.
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A citation contains a brief statement of the facts of the incident, how the law was violated, and a specific statement of the section of the law that is supposed to have been violated. It also contains instructions on what must be done to respond to the citation. The instructions on the citation must be followed. Generally, if you receive a citation, you must within 10 days either plead guilty and pay the fine, or plead not guilty and request a hearing. If you fail to respond to the citation as instructed, you can be arrested and brought to court and, in cases involving traffic citations, your license may be suspended.
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If the incorrect information is minor, such as a misspelled name, the wrong color or model year of a car, the mistakes will probably not invalidate the citation. If, however, the mistakes are major, such as listing the wrong section of the law claimed to have been violated, then the citation may be invalid if prejudice can be shown. |
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If you do not answer a citation within 10 days, you can be arrested. This arrest is usually made by a local constable. When the constable appears with the arrest warrant, you can avoid arrest by 1) paying the amount of the fine plus an additional $7 and costs as security for your appearance at a hearing; or 2) pleading guilty and paying the fine and costs. The constable will return the warrant and the security money to the magisterial district judge, who will then send out a notice of the date and time of the hearing to you and the police if a not-guilty plea has been made. If you do not pay the security money to the constable, you can be arrested and taken before the magisterial district judge.
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When you request a hearing, the magisterial district judge will send notices to you and the police of the date and time of the hearing. You have the right to be represented by your own lawyer at the hearing, but you do not usually have the right to be represented by a public defender or a lawyer appointed at public expense if your conviction will only result in a fine. At the hearing, the police officer and other witnesses for the prosecution will testify, then you or your attorney may ask questions of the police or others who testify against you. You can then produce your own witnesses and testify yourself if you wish to do so. The police or district attorney can question you or any of your witnesses. The police can then introduce any additional evidence to contradict or disprove what you or your witnesses said. Finally, each side is given the opportunity to make any concluding statements or arguments to the magisterial district judge. The magisterial district judge will then decide the case. If you are found not guilty, all security you posted will be returned to you. If you are found guilty, the security will go toward paying the amount of the fine and costs.
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Once you have requested a hearing, it will be held whether you are there or not, unless a continuance has been allowed by the magisterial district judge. If, in your absence, you are found guilty, the security money will go toward paying the fine and costs. If the security is not enough to cover the total amount, you will be ordered to pay an additional amount. If you are found not guilty, the security money will be returned to you. |
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If you are found guilty of or plead guilty to a summary offense, you can appeal to the common pleas court in the county where the magisterial district judge is located. You must appeal within 30 days of the guilty finding or plea of guilt by filing a form obtained from the Clerk of Courts (Summary Appeal form and instructions - provided by the Clerk of Courts). When the case is tried in common pleas court, you will have a completely new trial. The police generally do not have the right to appeal if you are found not guilty by the magisterial district judge.
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Some information about handling summary charges can be obtained from the office of the magisterial district judge where the citation is filed. The citation will include the name and address of the magisterial district judge. That office, however, cannot provide legal advice concerning the case. If you want further advice about handling a summary charge, you should contact a lawyer. The immediate aid of a lawyer is advisable whenever a person is charged with a traffic summary offense. A conviction may result in the assignment of points or a suspension/ revocation of a driver’s license. A conviction on a driver’s record may also affect a driver’s insurance rates. The aid of an attorney is also warranted in many cases involving non-traffic summary offenses. This material has been developed to inform and not to advise. The District Court and its staff are NOT permitted to give legal advice, so please do not ask. It is based on Pennsylvania law. The statements are general. IF IN DOUBT CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY.
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Vector Control / Weights & Measures
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With some pump models, the “feel” of fuel is not as evident on initial dispensing. This also occurs when one “prepays” and the dispensing slows toward the shutoff. As fuel prices rise, the “Total Price” amount moves more rapidly when the nozzle is initially squeezed reflecting the price per gallon increase being dispensed at an unchanged flow rate. |
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The owner’s manual is not always correct because it is an estimate and/or several changes may have been made to the vehicle during production. In addition, a vehicle fuel gauge accuracy may vary from one fill to the next. |
Veteran's Affairs
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Anyone who has been given a valid discharge (DD-214) may be considered a veteran. When in doubt come in and see us. |
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Come in or call your friendly service officer at the Veteran's Service office. We can help! Ask for a standard form 180 to send to St. Louis, MO where Veteran's Records are kept.
Additional Information: More... |
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Yes, the spouse of a veteran may be buried in a Veteran's Cemetery. A veteran's child may be buried in a Veteran's Cemetery. Special children even beyond age 18 may be under certain circumstances buried in a Veteran's Cemetery. |
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The certificate is good until the veteran applies for a new one. |
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Ten years from date of discharge the benefit ends. Veterans should start using the educational benefit as soon after discharge as possible.
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