Sgt. Shant Bedrossian
Public Information Officer

The Haverford Township Police Department is kicking off the new school year with a creative new initiative to promote helmet safety among young riders. Beginning September 2, 2025, officers will be on the lookout for students “caught” wearing their helmets while biking, skateboarding, or riding electronic scooters and e-bikes. But instead of citations, these riders will receive a sweet reward.
Through a partnership with Sweet Messina’s Bakery, located at 1217 Darby Road in Havertown, officers will issue special tickets that can be redeemed for one free cupcake.
“This program gives us the chance to highlight positive choices our kids are making,” said Police Chief John Viola. “Our number one goal is to keep our kids safe. By rewarding helmet use, we are encouraging safe behavior, building trust with our young residents, and creating positive connections between students and our officers.”
The concept, which was brought forward by a township resident after seeing the success of similar efforts in California, uses encouragement and community partnerships rather than penalties to promote safe riding. It also aligns with the Township’s broader commitment to safety. In August, the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners introduced legislation requiring helmets for riders under the age of 16 for e-scooters and e-bikes. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for September 8, 2025. If passed, the law will go into effect ten days later.
“We’re proud to partner with the Police Department on such a creative program,” said Gabriella Messina, owner of Sweet Messina’s Bakery. “If we can use something as simple as a cupcake to reinforce safety and bring smiles to kids’ faces, then we’re doing our job as neighbors, too.”
The Police Department encourages all parents and caregivers to talk with their children about helmet safety and to set a good example by wearing helmets themselves.
For more information about the helmet initiative, please contact the Haverford Township Police Department at (610) 853-1298.
This is an Official Press Release of the Haverford Township Police Department issued on the authority of Chief John Viola.

Sgt. T.J. Long

Havertown, PA - The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce is comprised of five municipalities - Haverford, Marple, Newtown, Radnor and Springfield Townships. It has been in operation since September 2009 and has conducted 120 operations to date. The taskforce has arrested 186 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs, and issued 49 citations for underage drinking along with 1312 citations and 2025 warnings for other motor vehicle violations.

The purpose of the Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce is to save lives on the roadways and reduce injuries by aggressively enforcing DUI laws. Sobriety checkpoints are a proactive visual deterrent while also removing impaired drivers; roving patrols are traffic details with the main goals to spot and stop possible impaired drivers before they can cause harm to innocent unsuspecting motorists traveling on our roadways.

The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce reminds all drivers over the age of twentyone (21) to be responsible and NEVER operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Read carefully all instruction labels on prescription or over the counter medications and make arrangements prior to consuming alcohol for a designated driver. Don’t risk arrest, injury or death.

Drive High

Get a DUI

This is an Official Press Release of the Haverford Township Police Department issued on the authority of Chief John Viola.

PD Admin

🐾🐶 K9 Bodhi, with Ofc. McLaughlin, got to showcase his incredible skills for the kids and counselors. Bodhi wowed everyone by hopping over fences like a graceful gazelle—part kangaroo indeed! 🦘✨ The kids cheered him on as he demonstrated his agility, and he soaked up plenty of pets and scratches, his favorite part of the demo. What a fun and furry day! #K9Bodhi #SummerCamp #CommunityPolicing #DogDemo

PD Admin

The Haverford Township Police Department provides an On-Line Police Blotter. The initial page will contain the current month of weekly reports. These weekly reports will contain listings of the various law enforcement incidents, events and other occurrences of interest to residents of Haverford Township. We hope to utilize this new tool as a means providing an open line of communication between the Police Department and the residents we proudly serve.