EXETER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — At Tuesday night’s Exeter Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Sgt. David Bentz brought both insight and humor to his presentation about the township’s traffic safety unit.
“In Berks County,” Bentz quipped, “they say only three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and Exeter speed traps.”
Bentz leads the Exeter Township Police Department’s traffic safety unit and was invited to speak as part of Chief Matthew Harley’s initiative to have each special unit share monthly updates with the board. Chief Harley introduced Bentz with high praise, calling him “the Master Yoda of traffic” and noting his respected reputation across Berks County—and even among law enforcement circles as far as Wyoming—for his expertise.
A Legacy of Traffic Safety
Bentz, clearly passionate about his work, shared that the traffic safety unit has been active since the 1990s. In 2024, the unit expanded from two to four officers, with plans to add a fifth in 2025. The goal? To reduce the burden of traffic enforcement on patrol officers and improve road safety for all residents.
The unit brings specialized skills to the table:
- All officers are weighmasters, certified to inspect and weigh commercial trucks.
- Two are crash reconstructionists, trained to investigate and help prosecute serious or fatal crashes.
- Three are Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspectors, who conduct detailed inspections of commercial vehicles.
- Two are certified child safety seat technicians, ensuring young passengers are secure.
- Three are forensic mapping technicians, who help digitally map crash scenes.
- Two officers are certified drone pilots, using aerial data to document accident scenes and help reopen roads faster.
Traffic Stops Often Lead to More
Bentz emphasized that traffic and drugs are the two most common complaints the department receives—and the two issues are often linked.
“Many of our traffic stops end in drug arrests,” he explained.
The traffic unit’s mission, Bentz said, is “to reduce the burden of traffic enforcement on the patrol unit and address safety concerns by using data to identify the most dangerous areas.”
The unit also manages handicap parking permits, which must be renewed every two years, and handles complex crash investigations. Bentz highlighted a recent success: after an 11-month investigation, the district attorney last week filed vehicular homicide charges against a truck driver who rear-ended a woman, causing her death.
Real Results
While the overall number of crashes in Exeter hasn’t declined, Bentz said, the severity of those crashes has. In 2024, there was a 14% decrease in serious crashes—a sign that the enforcement is working.
Their rigorous oversight has even led to some commercial vehicle companies avoiding the township altogether due to its reputation for strict compliance enforcement.
Other Township Business
Waste Disposal Services:
The board also approved advertising for bids on a new waste disposal contract. Republic Services currently holds the contract. Township Manager William Heim said the bid will cover a three-year agreement with two optional one-year extensions.
Proposed Fire Station:
Heim also informed the board that the township has received 14 responses to its request for proposals regarding the new fire station project, a major step forward in expanding emergency services in the community.
From Pennsylvania to places like Wyoming, small-town police departments like Exeter’s are showing that detailed planning, data-driven action, and community-focused enforcement can have a measurable impact on public safety.
