The Upper Allen Township Police Department is pleased to announce a streamlined recruitment process through the Cumberland County Police Testing Consortium. This cooperative initiative offers a centralized testing opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement.

By participating in this single testing process, candidates can apply to all participating police agencies within Cumberland County simultaneously, reducing the time and travel required for the initial phases of the hiring process.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit https://www.cumberlandcountypolicetest.com for detailed eligibility requirements and to submit an application. All applications must be received by Sunday, March 15, 2026.

UAT20251001072

Arrested:
Seth Dittmar, 35
1st block of West Walnut Street
Hanover, PA 17331

Charges:
Retail theft

On Friday, October 31, 2025, at approximately 9:02 AM, Upper Allen Police were dispatched to a local business for the report of a retail theft. The investigation identified Seth Dittmar as the suspect. It was determined that Dittmar stole over $200.00 worth of merchandise from the business. A warrant was subsequently issued for Dittmar’s arrest. On Monday, December 8, 2025, Dittmar surrendered himself to police and was afforded a preliminary arraignment. On Thursday, January 15, 2025, a preliminary hearing was scheduled. At the scheduled hearing, Dittmar pled guilty to a lesser offense.

The Upper Allen Township Police Department has a post-holiday message of gratitude to share following a very successful 2025 “Operation Holiday Hope” program.

“I’d like to thank all of our 2025 gift card sponsors — AmeriChoice FCU, Knights of Columbus Council 11805, Sheetz and Chick-fil-A,” said Chief Andrew Parsons. “Without those sponsors, and the dedication of our officers and administrative staff, this program would not exist. It’s growing exponentially, year-over-year, and I we can’t wait to hear about how many people it will help in 2026.”

Five Upper Allen Township Police Officers distributed the following gift cards during “Operation Holiday Hope” last month:

• Ten $25 gift cards to Giant (from AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union)
• Five $20 gift cards (from Knights of Columbus Council 11805)
• Ten $30 gift cards to Sheetz (from Sheetz)
• 20 free sandwich gift cards to Chick-fil-A (from Chick-fil-A)

With the help of Upper Allen Township Police administrative staff, the Department raised more than $650 for “Operation Holiday Hope” in 2025, 600% more than they raised in 2024.

The gift cards were delivered directly to individuals in need, including a homeless veteran, an elderly couple whose car was in the garage over the holiday for repair, and a local professional who recently had to unexpectedly retire to become the primary care provider for her mother.

“Operation Holiday Hope” has been quietly distributing gift cards to individuals in need since 2014 but just started asking local businesses to contribute to the effort last year.

“Community is very important to the Upper Allen Township Police Department,” said Chief Parsons. “Our officers are also your neighbors. Our goal is to not only protect our community, but to actively engage and contribute to it on a daily basis.”

If you or your business would like to chip in and support “Operation Holiday Hope” in 2026, call the Upper Allen Township Police Department at 717-795-2445.

Today, we observe National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and thank all of our officers, along with our fellow law enforcement officials locally and nationally, who work tirelessly and relentlessly every second of every day to keep the public safe.

We thank our community members who regularly show their support for our Police Department and encourage everyone to thank their local law enforcement officers today for keeping our communities safe through enforcement, ongoing educational initiatives, and community engagement.

UAT20260100165

Arrested:
Tamara J Elmer, 56
1st Block 10th Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Charges:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance
Accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property
Duty to provide information and render aid
Careless driving

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Upper Allen Police responded to the intersection of East Winding Hill Road and Mt Allen Drive for a hit-and-run crash. The victim reported that while turning left, an orange Kia Forte in the adjacent lane passed and merged into his lane, striking and damaging his vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the area without stopping or providing identifying information. A witness obtained the license plate, which led police to determine the vehicle was registered to Elmer. Elmer agreed to return to the Upper Allen Police Station for investigation. Upon arrival, she was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and arrested for DUI and other charges related to the hit-and-run. She was transported to Cumberland County Central Booking. A preliminary hearing will be held at a future date.