Press Release:
Cheltenham Township announced today the appointment of Richard Schaffer as the Cheltenham Township Police Department’s next Chief of Police.
Detective Lieutenant Schaffer will succeed recently retired Chief John Slavin following his swearing-in during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, August 19.
Schaffer’s 26 years in law enforcement started in Cheltenham as a Patrol Officer in 2000, the announcement said. He took on the rank of Detective in 2003 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2008.
He earned his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Intelligence Analysis from Saint Joseph’s University and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command Training (where he was awarded the Kreml Leadership Award), the FBI LEEDA Command Leadership course, and the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
“Throughout his career, Schaffer has pursued many specialized trainings and certification programs, equipping him with advanced skillsets and preparation for command level leadership,” the announcement said. “Schaffer’s true passion for serving the community has led him to take on additional roles—including as a Crisis Negotiator for 23 years, and leader of the CTPD’s internship program, Crime Scene Tech program, and Gun Violence Task Force. He also started the Department’s Mental Health Liaison Program in 2024.”
“It has been an honor to serve my career with the Cheltenham Township Police Department, and I look forward to leading the Department forward,” said Schaffer. “I believe my in-depth training and my operational experience within all divisions in our Department has provided me with the necessary skills and insight to effectively lead this organization.”
The announcement said that the township worked with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association for a search process which began in early 2026.
“PCPA’s Executive Search and Selection services brought a diverse and experienced team with a broad range of law enforcement experience to the process, which included candidate recruitment, screening, and evaluation support through multiple rounds and styles of interviews,” the announcement said. “This thorough process was designed to identify a highly qualified candidate who embodied effective leadership, served with integrity, and demonstrated an understanding of community-based policing that is so important to Cheltenham, and that strong candidate was ultimately identified within our ranks.”
“Something I have really enjoyed during my time here has been connecting with residents and business leaders on a first-name basis,” said Schaffer, “and I look forward to strengthening those bonds as Chief and sharing my vision of a Cheltenham where police and community come together to create a safe space where all members are valued.”
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Photo: CTPD