Upper Gwynedd Police Department

06/06/2026

Spotlight Saturday

Detective Dana Hallam – 5164 – has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Intervention and a master’s degree in Applied Criminology from California University of Pennsylvania. Detective Hallam is a graduate of the Montgomery County Police Academy. She joined UGPD in 2021 and was assigned to the Patrol Division before becoming a Detective in 2025. Her assignments include Child Seat Technician, Field Training Officer, Peer Support Coordinator, and Public Information Officer.

06/05/2026

🚨📱 PAUL MILLER'S LAW IS NOW IN FULL EFFECT 📱🚨
As of today, June 5, 2026, Pennsylvania's Paul Miller's Law is now fully enforceable. This law expands Pennsylvania's distracted driving regulations and makes it a primary offense to hold or support a cell phone or other interactive mobile device while driving.
🚔 What does this mean?
Drivers may not hold or support a cell phone or other interactive mobile device while operating a vehicle. This includes when you are:
🔴 Stopped at a red light
🛑 Stopped at a stop sign
🚗 Sitting in traffic
⏸️ Temporarily stopped for any other traffic-related delay
Because this is now a primary offense, a police officer can stop a vehicle and issue a citation or warning solely for this violation without observing any other traffic offense.
💰 Penalty
A violation is a summary offense and carries a $50 fine, plus applicable court costs and fees.
✅ When can you use your phone?
You may use your interactive mobile device if you have safely pulled off the roadway and your vehicle is completely stationary in a location where it can safely remain stopped. Hands-free technology is also permitted.
📊 Why is this law important?
Distracted driving continues to be a significant factor in crashes throughout Pennsylvania. Every text, notification, phone call, or glance away from the road increases the risk of a crash that can permanently change lives.

06/05/2026

**UPDATE: OWNER IDENTIFIED**
We believe we know who the owner is and we are currently attempting to get in contact with them. Thanks everyone!

Does anyone recognize this little guy? He was located on Wissahickon Avenue and Dickerson Road. He does not have a microchip and appears to be an older pup.

Please give us a call 215-699-5862

06/02/2026

The first full Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) position was created in 2019 and was staffed by Fred Lynch. Officer Brant Whisler is the second and current CPO, having started in 2022. As CPO, Officer Whisler teaches the DARE program and is the primary point of contact for our senior living communities, day cares, schools, and businesses. He is an active participant in all PAL programs and other local police / community events. As the creator of our “Pet Registry”, Officer Whisler has held the title (and badge) of “Pet Detective” since 2008!

05/30/2026

Spotlight Saturday

Sergeant William Moriarty – 5142 – is a graduate of Abington High School and Montgomery County Community College. He joined UGPD in 1999 and was assigned to the Patrol Division where he still works, having been promoted to Sergeant in 2023. Sergeant Moriarty’s assignments include Motor Unit and Bike Unit member and coordinator, Response to Resistance Instructor and member of the Montgomery County Major Incident Response Team – Bike Unit. When completing the questionnaire to provide this background information, Sergeant Moriarity added “I am the Chief’s favorite.” – which cannot be denied, or confirmed, as of the time of this post.

05/28/2026

I know you’ve all been missing the Officer Whisler, Pet Detective, content recently… so what better than listening to a podcast featuring the man himself?

Please enjoy this session from Impact Over Optics wherein Officer Whisler speaks of many things but most importantly how he uses humor as an important tool inside and outside our department.

Officer Brant Whisler of the Upper Gwynedd Township Police Departme...

05/23/2026

Spotlight Saturday

Sergeant Matthew Toro – 5157 – is a graduate of Lansdale Catholic High School and Temple University. Before joining UGPD in 2013, he worked part-time at the Colwyn and Lansdale police departments. Sergeant Toro was assigned to the newly formed Canine Unit and his partner, Gunner, is trained in drug detection and patrol. Toro was promoted to sergeant in 2024 and some of his other assignments and responsibilities include being a Drug Recognition Expert, member of the DA’s Drug Task Force and Field Training Officer. He was also the department’s first Special Needs Coordinator.

05/22/2026

Ofc Whisler did another GRATE job rescuing a fawn. Our community is the best at SPOTTING these deer in distress! 💙🦌

05/18/2026

Due to numerous calls regarding “abandoned” or “injured” deer fawns, we would like to pass on the following message from the Pennsylvania Game Commission in regards to how to handle the situation if you were come upon one in your yard or neighborhood.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission strongly advises leaving newborn fawns alone if you find them in the woods or your yard. Mother deer intentionally hide their young to protect them from predators. If you encounter a baby deer, do not touch or attempt to move it. Please resist the urge to invite neighbors, friends, children to take a look. The longer people are present around the fawn, the longer the mother is going to stay away and adds stress to the fawn.

Why Fawns Are Found Alone

• Natural Behavior: During their first few weeks, fawns are too weak to outrun predators. They survive by staying completely still and relying on their natural camouflage and lack of scent.
• Absent Mothers: The mother doe is usually nearby, grazing or watching from a distance. She purposely stays away to avoid drawing predators to her hidden baby, only returning a few times a day to nurse.
• Human Scent: While the myth that a mother will reject a fawn touched by humans is exaggerated, handling a fawn causes them severe stress and may cause them to flee and expose themselves to predators.

When to Intervene

You should only contact the Game Commission or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you see a fawn that is:

• Visibly Injured: Open wounds, broken bones, or obvious distress.
• Unresponsive: Lying listless for extended periods or covered in flies or maggots.
• In Immediate Danger: Trapped in a window well, stuck in a fence, or in the middle of a busy roadway.
• Orphaned: Found next to a dead doe for an extended period, or crying continuously for hours.

How to Contact the Authorities

If you believe a fawn meets the criteria for rescue, do not take it home. Instead, report it to the proper local authorities:
• PA Game Commission: Call your nearest PGC Regional Office or dial 1-833-PGC-WILD.
• Wildlife Rehabilitators: Find a certified local wildlife rescue professional via the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators to handle transportation and care safely.

05/18/2026

PUPDATE!! Dexter is home. Thank you everyone who helped him return safely home!

Township Residents,

Please help UGPD find Dexter and return him to his family. Dexter is 15 years old with arthritis and dementia. He also has no teeth and is wearing a black and blue collar with tags on it. He was lost in the area of Croft Road by Letitia Lane around 10am today. If you find Dexter, please call UGPD at 215-699-5861!