Crime & Safety
Police Commissioner Bedics Announces Retirement
He will become the next chief of police at DeSales University.
Bethlehem Police Commissioner Stuart Bedics is stepping down as the city’s top cop after 15 months on the job.
A two-paragraph news release from Mayor John Callahan’s office this afternoon said Bedics submitted his “letter of intent” to retire today. It also said he has been selected to become the chief of police at DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township.
Deputy Commissioner Jason Schiffer will become the new Bethlehem police commissioner upon Bedics’ retirement.
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The release did not specify a date that Bedics would step down, but did say the DeSales job is scheduled to begin on June 6.
Bedics has been with the for more than 24 years, rising up through the ranks to become the commissioner in January 2010.
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Bedics’ time as commissioner has not been free from controversy. An incident that occurred less than three months into his tenure led to the firing of two officers – , for failing to obey orders; and , for allegedly tampering with evidence.
More officers landed in hot water early this year after a gun hidden in the crotch of suspect, , got through at least two police searches before Neith was brought to prison.
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