New Alburtis Police Chief Tony Alsleben says he has been spending time since his March 9 swearing in ceremony meeting borough residents and observing and evaluating “how things work” in the community.

“I know this is a close-knit community and as a newcomer residents are extending a certain amount of trust in me. I appreciate the confidence and encouragement that has been shown to me by those I’ve come in contact with in the month I’ve been on duty here,” Alsleben said.

Alsleben says he’s seeing Alburtis is a very proactive community where people look for solutions to issues that arise and follow through to implement those solutions.

“That allows our police department to also be proactive and participate in solving community issues,” Alsleben said.

Asked about his vision for his tenure as chief, Alsleben said “Chief Palmer left this department in pretty good shape when he retired and I have no intention of trying to reinvent the wheel as we go forward.

“Of course I’ll be working to increase our force as we move ahead. “The job of any police chief is to assure that the community has the resources that are needed,” he said.

Alsleben has been meeting one-on-one with the officers in his command to discuss their vision and observations of what is needed going forward.

“The future of law enforcement is largely going to be driven by technology and data,” Alsleben said, “and I hope my experience will be helpful in guiding the department through the challenges faced by local law enforcement in small communities.”

Alsleben was chosen to lead the force after a widespread search for Palmer’s replacement, Alburtis Mayor Kathleen Palmer said. Applications for the position came from Pennsylvania and New York she said. Alsleben came to the position well qualified.

He spent nearly two decades with the Allentown Police Department.

He joined that department in 2000 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2008 and assumed command of the Allentown Police Academy in 2012. He was elevated to captain in 2014 with duties on Allentown’s east side and in center city.

In April 2018, Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell appointed Alsleben as interim police chief of the Allentown force. He served in that position until September 2019 when he left the department.

Alsleben holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in administration of justice from Penn State, and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Palmer said she and borough council are very pleased with the choice they made for retired Chief Robert Palmer’s replacement.

“Tony is very personable and maintains an open-door policy with our residents. He’s working to build trust among the young people in our community and letting them know he’s on their side. That’s important in any small community like ours,” she said.

“We think he’s a perfect fit here and people are warmly welcoming him,” Palmer said.

“It may sound trite,” Alsleben said, “But, I’m finding that people who live here can easily feel they are part of something bigger than themselves and I’m looking forward to being part of that larger endeavor.”