What is ChATs?
The Horsham Chief’s Advisory Team (ChATs) is a volunteer organization committed to assisting the Horsham Township, PA Police Department in their goal of enhancing community safety, protecting life and property, and reducing crime and the fear of crime. We will assist in building better community relations by giving the public the opportunity to become more familiar with services provided by the Police Department as well as a better understanding of the inner working of the department.
Our basic mission is to help make Horsham a better place to live, work and visit. ChATs started in December 2001 following deadly flooding in the Horsham area from Tropical Storm Allison in June 2001 and the tragic wake up call we all received on 9-11-2001. These events made clear that an organized civilian infrastructure was needed to supplement Public Safety agencies in times of disasters.
We have grown to 400 members, 35 neighborhoods, and 4 divisions: Residential Services; Town Watch; Disaster Preparedness/ Response, and; Business Services. While we have not experienced any major incidents since 2001, we have successfully developed the necessary organization to cope with this type of emergency. ChATS has used this structure on numerous occasions to assist victims of personal disasters such as fire with shelter, clothing, and necessities. Our Residential Services has established communication between our neighborhoods and the police department; and the Town Watch assists the department, the local school district and organizations by helping with parking, event security, and public safety coordination for large events throughout the community.
ChATs has channeled the emotional energy released following the events of 2001, and developed a volunteer organization that has become a vital part of the Horsham community