Parks & Police: What Binds Lansdale to Norristown

Exactly how Lansdale Borough will address individuals who refuse to leave public parks after dark remains unknown at this time. 

Lansdale Chief of Police Michael Trail, who is one of three finalists for the Norristown Police Chief vacancy, addressed his current employer’s borough council Wednesday evening about both  outdoor camping in parks and a request to replace a retiring sergeant in the midst of financial uncertainty in Lansdale. 

Citing “honest, frank discussions” with members of council – including BJ Breish – Trail said dialogue will continue about overnight camping in areas including Stony Creek Park. Breish responded by saying that he believes the police department’s intention is not to go in and “sweep the park.” 

“Can you make that statement publicly,” Breish asked. 

Trail stated that any actions taken will be done in a humane way and involve a co-responder from Merakey. He prefaced his response by describing the word sweep as an “inflammatory” one. After a measured (and civil) back and forth for a couple of minutes, Trail concluded by stating: “The park is not where our unhoused should stay.” 

Chief Michael Trail addressed Lansdale Council July 16, 2025.

The conversation in Lansdale is taking place with two noteworthy developments in the background: 

• Montgomery County entered into a contract with Resources for Human Development (RHD) to operate a year-round supportive housing facility within Lansdale Borough last December. It is expected to open later this year with a capacity of approximately 20 people at risk of homelessness. 

• Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a case called Grants Pass that essentially allows municipalities and cities to criminally penalize people for sleeping outside, even if they have nowhere to go and can’t afford local rents for an apartment. 

If Trail were selected for the Norristown chief position, he would manage a large police force (70 officers) in the county’s seat where homelessness has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Mark Benjamin and Richard Clowser are the other two finalists. 

By comparison, Lansdale has 29 uniformed police officers. A sergeant is scheduled to retire in March, so council is weighing whether or not to begin the Civil Service Commission process now to fill that slot. Council members Breish and Carrie Oglesby favor waiting a bit, citing the need to learn more about the borough’s fiscal shape (new finance director and pending audit) as well as Trail’s potential departure. Meanwhile, Mayor Garry Herbert favored starting the CSC hiring process now, which can take up to six months. Council agreed, voting 7-2. 

The next Lansdale Council meeting is Aug. 6 at 8:30 p.m.