Serving and Engaging the Bucks County Community

The Bucks County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is excited to introduce the Sheriff's Community Outreach & Public Engagement (SCOPE) Unit, a dedicated team focused on building bridges and providing crucial assistance to the residents of Bucks County. This unit is comprised of experienced and compassionate deputies committed to addressing critical community needs. 

CPL Todd Kessler: A 12-year veteran of the BCSO and a U.S. Army Veteran who served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), CPL Todd Kessler is the driving force behind the Outreach Unit. He co-created the unit with Deputy Justin Sturkey and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to serving the community. Beyond the SCOPE Unit, CPL Kessler is collaborating with the Bucks County Veterans Affairs Office to establish a Veterans Response Team. This team will provide vital support to Bucks County veterans facing personal or mental health crises. CPL Kessler also serves as a Law Enforcement Liaison within the Bucks County Treatment Courts, further demonstrating his commitment to holistic community support.

Deputy Salvatore LaMantia: With 9 years of service to the Bucks County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Salvatore LaMantia brings a diverse background to the SCOPE/Outreach Unit. Prior to joining the BCSO, he served for 4 years as a police officer in Yardley Borough. Deputy LaMantia is an active member of both the Bucks County South Central Negotiator Team and the Outreach Unit. Adding to his community engagement, he has served as the Chaplain for the Bucks County Sheriff's Office for the past two years. Deputy LaMantia is a graduate of the Montgomery Community Police Academy (2012), reflecting his long-standing commitment to law enforcement and community service.

Deputy Justin Sturkey: Deputy Justin Sturkey is a 14-year veteran of the Bucks County Sheriff's Office and co-founder of the SCOPE/Outreach Unit, working alongside CPL Kessler. Like Deputy LaMantia, he is also an active member of the Bucks County South Central Negotiator Team. Deputy Sturkey's law enforcement experience includes 3 years as a Police Officer in Langhorne Borough. He is a graduate of the Temple Police Academy (2010), equipping him with a strong foundation in law enforcement principles and practices.

SCOPE Unit Mission:

The SCOPE/Outreach Unit is thoughtfully designed to provide support and resources to Bucks County citizens facing a variety of challenges. Their core mission is to assist individuals who may be:

• Experiencing a mental health crisis

• Struggling with addiction

• In need of connections to treatment services

• Experiencing homelessness

• Requiring assistance with navigating court matters

Bucks Co. Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL):

Adding an exciting new dimension to their community engagement, the SCOPE/Outreach Unit recently announced the launch of the first-ever Bucks Co. Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL).

Deputy Sturkey shared the vision behind this initiative: “We are excited to announce the first ever Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League. This is a great opportunity to connect the youth of Bucks County as they take part in this amazing program where they will be provided with the services of skilled trainers and Law Enforcement. Not only will they take part in a physical activity, but they will also learn the value of hard work and discipline. They will build confidence and motivation that will help them in their future endeavors as they step out into this world as young adults.”

Police Athletic Leagues are nationally recognized programs that foster positive relationships between law enforcement officers and young people through sports, recreation, and educational activities. The BCSO PAL aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people in Bucks County can:

• Engage in physical activity and learn new skills under the guidance of skilled trainers.

• Develop positive relationships with law enforcement officers, building trust and understanding.

• Learn valuable life skills such as hard work, discipline, teamwork, and respect.

• Boost their confidence and motivation, empowering them for future success.

The BCSO SCOPE/Outreach Unit, through both direct assistance and innovative programs like the PAL, is dedicated to strengthening the Bucks County community and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. Stay tuned for more updates on the SCOPE/Outreach Unit and the Sheriff's Office Police Athletic League!