APA - Allentown Parking Authority - Armed Employees

**Cookster** · April 28th, 2015, 01:45 PM

I have worked in downtown Allentown for nearly eight years now, and for the first time in that time, did I see an APA employee, two actually, walking around with sidearms.

It appeared that they were not carrying any other equipment that a patrol officer would typically carry (badge, radio, hand cuffs, expandable baton, tazer, etc.).

Each of these fella's 'looked' like former LEO or military.

APA's web-site makes no mention of armed employees.

As they are armed with the means of deadly force, I wonder under what authority, circumstances, etc., they would be permitted to use such force?

Is anyone familiar with APA's policy?

Rob

**alpacaheat** · April 28th, 2015, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Cookster

I have worked in downtown Allentown for nearly eight years now, and for the first time in that time, did I see an APA employee, two actually, walking around with sidearms.

It appeared that they were not carrying any other equipment that a patrol officer would typically carry (badge, radio, hand cuffs, expandable baton, tazer, etc.).

Each of these fella's 'looked' like former LEO or military.

APA's web-site makes no mention of armed employees.

As they are armed with the means of deadly force, I wonder under what authority, circumstances, etc., they would be permitted to use such force?

Is anyone familiar with APA's policy?

Rob

Ask him.

**Bill67** · April 28th, 2015, 03:08 PM

Did you ever hear of the Constitution, Mother F#%&er?

**Bill67** · April 28th, 2015, 03:11 PM

Really, it is Allentown. There are some sketchy places. Good on them for being allowed.

**jakebrake** · April 28th, 2015, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Bill67

Really, it is Allentown. There are some sketchy places. Good on them for being allowed.

that's an insult to "sketchy"

**chp1911** · April 28th, 2015, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Cookster

I have worked in downtown Allentown for nearly eight years now, and for the first time in that time, did I see an APA employee, two actually, walking around with sidearms.

It appeared that they were not carrying any other equipment that a patrol officer would typically carry (badge, radio, hand cuffs, expandable baton, tazer, etc.).

Each of these fella's 'looked' like former LEO or military.

APA's web-site makes no mention of armed employees.

As they are armed with the means of deadly force, I wonder under what authority, circumstances, etc., they would be permitted to use such force?

Is anyone familiar with APA's policy?

Rob

As far as I know they would have to be Act 120 certified or Act 235 certified to carry a weapon as a condition of employment. They would also be limited to Title 18 as far as the use of force in any circumstance.