Wilkins police officers met with township commissioners last night to discuss a proposal for a police merger involving Forest Hills and Chalfant.

Chalfant currently contracts with Forest Hills for police service, said Commissioner Sharyn Fialla. But under the current proposal, a merger bringing in Wilkins would cost Chalfant substantially more "so the numbers need to be readjusted," she said.

Officer David J. Kemp, representing Wilkins police, outlined positive aspects of the proposal including an increased number of officers, specialization, room for advancement, availability of training, better recruitment opportunities and the possibility of reduced costs.

But he noted deficiencies in the plan, including a decrease in the number of officers patroling Wilkins. The plan also didn't provide for the cost of a new building and adequate funding for vehicles.

If the proposal is adopted there will be a separate commission to oversee the joint police force.

Commissioners plan on revising the study before moving ahead with the proposal.