Accomplishments

During his first term in office, Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht has created many innovative programs for the department without an increase in staff, and has saved over 1 million dollars for Berks County taxpayers.

Project Lifesaver:
This program helps to find Berks County citizens with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Autism who have wandered away from home. Nationwide Project Lifesaver has safely recovered over 2,200 clients with an average recovery time of 30 minutes.

Berks County Sheriff’s Department Substation at the Reading Airport :
At this substation, citizens can apply for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms and file and pick up Civil Process. Parking at the airport substation is free.

Streamlined Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms process:
Law-abiding citizens of Berks County can receive their Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms on the same day they apply for one, reducing the wait time from 45 days to 0.

Created remote locations to obtain a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms:
Sheriff Weaknecht opened remote locations in the following Berks County communities to make it more convenient for citizens to obtain a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms. These locations are open one day a month from 10 AM to 6 PM. Parking is free.

3rd Monday:                 Birdsboro Borough
3rd Tuesday:                 Hamburg Borough
3rd Wednesday:           Wernersville Borough
3rd Thursday:               Kutztown Borough
3rd Friday:                    Colebrookdale Township

Berks County Sheriff’s Department K9 Corps:
In 2008, Sheriff Weaknecht established the department K-9 Corps. This was created under a state grant, a direct savings to the Berks County taxpayers. The Berks County Sheriff’s Department has one Narcotics-detection and one Explosives-detection K9. Both dogs are patrol-trained and assist other law enforcement agencies in Berks County.

New Hiring Standards:
In 2009, Sheriff Weaknecht changed the hiring standards of the department to create opportunities for a greater number of applicants and to ensure that the most qualified candidates are hired. These new standards include: Physical Agility Test, Written Test, Background Investigation, Oral Interview, Voice Stress Test, Psychological Test, Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.

New programs for the Children of Berks County:
Sheriff Weaknecht is always looking for ways to keep Berks Children Safe.

He created the ID Me Child Identification program, issuing tens of thousands of identification cards to Berks County parents and guardians. He established a DARE Program for the first time in the Berks County Sheriff’s Department history. Since 2008, hundreds of Berks County Children have graduated the DARE program, instructed by Berks County Sheriff’s Deputies. The Sheriff’s Department also participates in Dare to Prepare, Pre-Driver Education Program with their parents through Reading-Berks AAA.

Sheriff Weaknecht’s latest program for children is S.K.I.P. (Sheriff and Kids Information Program). S.K.I.P. is designed to help Berks County children deal with issues such as Bullying and Strangers. It is conducted in our county grade schools and is presented by deputy sheriffs.

LoJack to help locate stolen vehicles:
Through Sheriff Weaknecht’s assertiveness, the Berks County Sheriff’s Department was the first Sheriff’s Department in Pennsylvania and the first law enforcement agency in Berks County to install the LoJack System in all marked patrol vehicles. This system helps deputies locate stolen vehicles. The Berks County Sheriff’s Department was the first law enforcement agency in Berks County to recover a stolen vehicle using the LoJack system.

Keeping Berks Safe through increased arrest and warrant apprehensions:
Through Sheriff Weaknecht’s strong leadership and his dedicated deputies, the Berks County Sheriff’s Department Warrants Division has cleared over 180% more warrants in three years. Wanted persons have been listed on Facebook, Twitter, Reading Eagle, TV 69 News, The Merchandiser, Comcast On-Demand, and The Berks County Sheriff’s Department Most Wanted Newspaper Insert in the Sunday Reading Eagle Newspaper.

Working together, citizens and the Sheriff’s Department have made a positive difference toward Keeping Berks Safe.

Berks County Sheriff’s Department Chaplain Program:
The Berks County Sheriff's Department Chaplain program was established by Sheriff Weaknecht in January 2009. Its purpose is to make counseling and pastoral services available to deputies, their families, other departmental members and citizens of our community. Our Chaplain has performed these functions within our department and has been requested by various families in Berks County.

Berks County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard Program:
The Honor Guard was established by Sheriff Weaknecht in January 2008. Its purpose is to honor fallen Berks County law enforcement officers both active and retired. The Honor Guard also represents the Sheriff's Department at special events such as the Washington DC National Police Week, Berks Law Enforcement Memorial Day, community parades, graduations, sporting events and award ceremonies. The Honor Guard is also available to and has served communities and police departments outside of Berks County.

Helping Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure:
Through Sheriff Weaknecht’s commitment to the citizens of Berks, he has implemented newspaper and radio programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Those facing foreclosure can contact the Sheriff’s Department to receive information on HUD-certified counseling agencies that will help people keep their homes.

Fiscal Responsibility
Sheriff Weaknecht has saved Berks County taxpayer’s over 1 million dollars during his first term in office by instituting more efficient and effective operations within the department.