The Police Department has received numerous comments and concerns from residents over a soliciting permit issued yesterday to Fox Pest Control. This will attempt to address some of the issues brought to our attention.
- With very few exceptions, a municipality in Pennsylvania must issue a soliciting permit when asked to do so. We cannot decide that we just don't want to issue a permit to a particular person or business.
- By issuing a soliciting permit, the police department, nor the municipality, endorses or recommends whatever product or service is being offered.
-Residents are under no obligation to open the door for, nor engage in conversation with a solicitor. You do not need to let a solicitor enter your home.
- The police department nor the municipality has any control over what claims the solicitor makes with respect to quality of service, products, pricing, being referred by neighbors, doing work for neighbors, etc.
-Residents should keep in mind that a company that is honest, reliable, and competent with their service or product may obtain a permit the same as one that is dishonest, unreliable, and incompetent. Prior to agreeing to do business with a solicitor offering a product or service, if a resident feels uncomfortable, they should do their own research, ask questions, ask for references, review Better Business Bureau ratings, and do an internet search of the business/product.
-If you live in a private community (Alden Place, Northgate, Cornwall Manor, The Woods, Gretna Springs) you probably already have regulations in place that prohibit solicitors from going door-to-door in your community. A solicitor ignoring such restrictions; or entering onto a property where a sign is posted "NO TRESPASSING" or "NO SOLICITORS" is subject to being charged with criminal trespass.
-The municipalities we serve -Cornwall Borough, West Cornwall Township, and Mount Gretna Borough, all have identical ordinances that govern soliciting.
Anyone having questions or concerns dealing with the soliciting ordinances can contact me at the police station (717) 274-2071, or [email protected]
Chief Bruce D. Harris
