Oxford Borough Police Department

06/10/2026

🕰️ Way Back Wednesday
While researching the history of the Oxford Borough Police Department, now-Sergeant Chris Coverly made an interesting discovery in 2003 within the archives of the Oxford Public Library. Among the collection was a 1976 publication created by Girl Scout Troop 1185 titled "Oxford Now & Then."
The publication offered a fascinating glimpse into the early days of law enforcement in Oxford:
"In the early years when stores and businesses were just coming into our area, the need for a night watchman arose. His title was to be that of High Constable. He was to check all doors and windows in each of the places, and was to be paid a great sum of twenty-five cents per store per week. The job went to Mr. Jessie McCormick."
According to the publication, the High Constable served as Oxford's primary law enforcement presence around the time the Borough was chartered. As the community grew, so did the need for dedicated police services. By the early 1900s, the title evolved from High Constable to Policeman, with Vernon Ringler and Harry Rodgers among those remembered for serving Oxford between 1910 and 1920.
The publication also notes that Samuel Lee became Oxford's first Police Chief in the early 1920s, shortly after World War I. Chief Lee led the department with two officers under his command and remained in that role until his passing in the 1940s.
If you are a family member of any of the officers mentioned, a descendant of those who served, or one of the Girl Scouts who helped create the Oxford Now & Then publication in 1976, we would love to hear from you. Your stories, photographs, memorabilia, and memories can help preserve the rich history of both our police department and our community for future generations.
Do you have old photographs, stories, newspaper clippings, or memorabilia related to the Oxford Borough Police Department? Please contact Sergeant Chris Coverly at [email protected].
Oxford Borough Police Department — Serving Our Community Then, Now, and Always.

Oxford Library Company

06/06/2026

☀️Good Morning Oxford! Photo provided by Officer Jamie Cruz.

06/05/2026

Please be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic throughout the business district during tonight's events. Exercise caution and remain alert for pedestrians crossing between vehicles at crosswalks and at intersections. Stay safe, be visible, and have a great weekend.

🎉 TONIGHT 🎉 TONIGHT 🎉 TONIGHT 🎉
Come out to downtown Oxford for the Sidewalk Sessions! Live music with four musicians, at four different locations at four different times!

Enjoy 4 performers at the following locations and times.

4:30pm Rlynn Woods Octoraro Alley
5:30pm Jac Connor on the small porch at the Sawmill Grill
6:30pm Matthew Moerder on the Edward Jones lawn
7:30pm Josh Borders on the Edward Jones lawn

Bring your own chair to sit at Octoraro Alley and Neff Parking Lot. Enjoy dinner or snacks at our restaurants. Take time to enjoy downtown Oxford!

06/04/2026

“ Paul Miller Law” Everyone’s worst nightmare to lose a friend or family member to distracted driving. Stay safe everyone.

06/03/2026

Sign up for ReadyChesco.org - Chester County's Notification System ReadyChesCo is the official notification sys...

Chester County's Notification SystemReadyChesCo is the official notification system for Chester County. Citizens can register to receive emergency and non-emergency alerts for their community.

06/03/2026

Welcome to the first installment of our new Way Back Wednesday series, where we'll share photos, equipment, stories, and pieces of history that honor those who served before us and helped shape law enforcement in our community.
For our inaugural post, we're featuring what may be some of the oldest known law enforcement-related artifacts connected to our area, courtesy of the Oxford Area Historical Association.
Established in 1897, the Detective Association Union was composed of community detective associations serving both Lancaster and Chester Counties. These organizations were created to assist in the detection of thieves and the recovery of stolen horses and other property—an important mission in a time before modern policing, patrol vehicles, radios, or computers.
Historical records show that in 1953, it was proposed that several of these associations dissolve. However, the Nottingham Detective Association, boasting approximately 80 active members, made it clear they had no intention of disbanding, demonstrating the pride and commitment these organizations had to protecting their communities.
While law enforcement has evolved significantly over the last century, the dedication to serving and safeguarding our communities remains unchanged.
A special thank you to the Oxford Area Historical Association for preserving and sharing these remarkable pieces of local history.

06/02/2026

🚔⏳ Coming Tomorrow: Way Back Wednesday! ⏳🚔

Tomorrow, the Oxford Borough Police Department will launch a new series called Way Back Wednesday.

We'll take a look back at the rich history of policing in our community by sharing photographs, equipment, stories, officers, vehicles, and memorable moments from years gone by. It's an opportunity to honor those who served before us, preserve our department's history, and connect our community with the legacy that helped shape the Oxford Borough Police Department we know today.

As we reflect on our past, we remain committed to our future and the continued service of our community.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our very first Way Back Wednesday feature!

06/02/2026

Oxford Man Sentenced to 8-20 Years for Stalking

On May 27, 2026, Defendant John V. Kearney, a 28-year-old Oxford resident, was sentenced to 8-20 years in state prison by the Honorable Allison Royer for stalking and harassing a victim and attempting to contact her while already serving a prison sentence. Earlier in May, the Defendant was convicted of a total of thirteen counts of Stalking and other related charges.

The Defendant had previously been convicted of stalking the same victim. He followed the victim in broad daylight, violating no-contact orders set in place by the court, making the victim feel threatened, and continued to track the victim to attempt to contact her.

District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This Defendant just did not get it. He forced his victim to live in what she described as unrelenting fear. Hopefully this sentence brings her some peace.”

NEWS RELEASE: CHESTER COUNTY DA’S OFFICE WEEKLY UPDATE

Here is a brief update on some of the events that occurred recently in the Chester County DA’s Office:

Malvern Man Convicted of Indecent Assault of a Minor

After a week-long trial, Jose Ramirez-Cantarero, 39, of Malvern, was convicted by a jury of Aggravated Indecent Assault without Consent and Indecent Assault before the Honorable Bret M. Binder. The victim had recently arrived in the area from Bolivia and started renting a room from the Defendant.

In April of 2022, the then 17-year-old victim and two of her family members had come to the East Whiteland Township area and began renting a room from the Defendant. On April 14, 2022, the Defendant had invited the victim to come with him to a local store, but instead, drove the victim into a densely wooded area and instructed the victim to sit on his lap. The Defendant continued to touch the victim’s breasts and ge****ls. The victim moved away from the Defendant and was instructed to not talk to anyone about the incident. Thankfully, the victim disclosed the incident to a family member and contacted the police, leading to this investigation and conviction.

Ramirez-Cantarero was previously convicted of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old after a trial in March of 2024. He is currently serving a 42–84-year sentence. The Honorable Bret M. Binder will sentence the Defendant again in the coming months.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This man has now been convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children and—thanks to the courage of the victims and the hard work of police—will be held behind bars for decades.”

The East Whiteland Township Police Department led the investigation and was assisted by the Chester County Detectives. Assistant District Attorney Michael Tomcho was the assigned prosecutor. Please remember, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, you should say something. Call 911. Call Childline at 1-800-932-0313. Childline reports can be anonymous.

Oxford Man Sentenced to 8-20 Years for Stalking

On May 27, 2026, Defendant John V. Kearney, a 28-year-old Oxford resident, was sentenced to 8-20 years in state prison by the Honorable Allison Royer for stalking and harassing a victim and attempting to contact her while already serving a prison sentence. Earlier in May, the Defendant was convicted of a total of thirteen counts of Stalking and other related charges.

The Defendant had previously been convicted of stalking the same victim. He followed the victim in broad daylight, violating no-contact orders set in place by the court, making the victim feel threatened, and continued to track the victim to attempt to contact her.

District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This Defendant just did not get it. He forced his victim to live in what she described as unrelenting fear. Hopefully this sentence brings her some peace.”

05/28/2026

Collazo, Ilisha - 18 2718 (A1)- CRIMINAL ATTEMPT- STRANGULATION (F2) and 4 additional charges - On May 14, 2026 at 4:30 pm, the Oxford Police Department was dispatched to the 5000 Blk Lauren Lane for a report of a physical domestic d...

On May 14, 2026 at 4:30 pm, the Oxford Police Department was dispatched to the 5000 Blk Lauren Lane for a report of a physical domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with a female victim who stated that Ilisha Collazo, 29, of