We’d like to address some of the allegations and comments regarding the safety of our public park in Lancaster City. Upon reviewing calls for service over the last year, we have not received any calls or reports specifically related to drug activity in Crystal Park and only 10 calls for service related to drug activity in Musser Park. Please note that a call for service does not necessarily confirm that the reported incident accurately reflects what was occurring at the time. We are aware of the claims made that used needles and other drug paraphernalia were found in these parks. We take these concerns seriously. Our officers and Selective Enforcement Unit have been made aware of these concerns so they can increase their vigilance and monitoring efforts in and around the park. We are proud to say Lancaster City is a safe city due to the hard work and dedication of our officers, who serve around the clock every day of the week. With that said, public safety is a collaborative effort, and we couldn’t do this without the help of our community members. If you or someone you know sees criminal activity or behavior that would make any public space unsafe, we encourage you to call us immediately. The most efficient way for our department to address these issues is by reporting incidents to 911, county dispatch at 717-664-1180, or submitting tips through our website. While dispatchers may ask for a name, phone number, and address, community members are not required to provide identifying information, and the public can remain anonymous when submitting online tips. This information is routed to the appropriate officers to ensure the issue is addressed. One last thing we’d like to mention is the importance of leading with compassion when discussing complex topics like substance abuse and homelessness. Homelessness and drug use are driven by factors like mental health, poverty, trauma, and limited healthcare access—not just personal choices. Linking them inaccurately spreads misinformation, perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and skews public perception by ignoring drug use in housed populations. This stigma can hinder individuals experiencing homelessness from accessing housing, jobs, or support and may deter them from seeking help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. Let’s work together to break this stigma and focus on developing solutions to create a safer Lancaster City for all.
Lancaster City Police Address Concerns On Safety in Public Parks | Lancaster City Bureau of Police
