The $2.5 Million Lawsuit And New Leadership: 5 Major Updates From The Yeadon Borough Police Department

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The Yeadon Borough Police Department (YBPD), a key law enforcement agency in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has been at the epicenter of significant change and controversy over the past two years. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the department is actively navigating the fallout from an explosive racial discrimination lawsuit, a major leadership transition, and an aggressive push to overhaul its policies and achieve critical accreditation. This article provides the most current and essential updates on the YBPD's status, leadership, and ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust and modernize its operations. The department’s recent history is defined by a turbulent relationship with the Yeadon Borough Council and high-stakes legal battles, making the current efforts under new leadership—Chief Henry J. Giammarco, Jr.—a critical turning point for the community. The shift from internal conflict to a focus on professional standards, including policy updates and accreditation, marks a determined effort to move past the controversies that have plagued the borough's police force.

The New Era: Chief Henry J. Giammarco, Jr. and Department Profile

The Yeadon Borough Police Department has been under the leadership of a new Chief of Police since early 2023, following a period of intense internal dispute. The new chief has been tasked with stabilizing the department and leading it through a comprehensive reform process.

Biography and Profile of Chief Henry J. Giammarco, Jr.

  • Full Name: Henry J. Giammarco, Jr.
  • Current Title: Chief of Police, Yeadon Borough Police Department.
  • Date Sworn In: February 1, 2023.
  • Previous Experience: Giammarco has a background in law enforcement, having been hired as Chief of Police for Yeadon Borough in Delaware County, PA.
  • Professional Affiliation: He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (NA Session 279).
  • Current Focus: Leading the department's effort to achieve police accreditation and implement new programs.
  • Location: Yeadon Borough, Delaware County, Pennsylvania (PA).
Chief Giammarco’s appointment came at a time of high tension between the Yeadon Borough Council and the police department, with local officials expressing hope that his leadership would put the "feud behind them." His ongoing reports to the Borough Council, documented in minutes as recently as August 2025, indicate a focus on operational stability, new programs, and the accreditation process.

The $2.5 Million Racial Discrimination Lawsuit and Settlement

One of the most significant events shaping the YBPD’s recent history is the high-profile legal battle involving former Police Chief Anthony "Chachi" Paparo. This case resulted in a massive financial and reputational blow to the borough.

Former Chief Anthony Paparo’s Firing and Allegations

Former Police Chief Anthony Paparo was fired by the Yeadon Borough Council in February 2021. Following his termination, Paparo filed a federal lawsuit against the borough, alleging that he was fired because of his race—specifically, because he is white. Paparo's lawsuit claimed that the termination was a violation of his civil rights and part of a broader pattern of racial discrimination within the borough's governance.

The Landmark Settlement in 2024

The Borough of Yeadon quietly settled the lawsuit with Paparo. In a landmark decision that sent shockwaves through local Pennsylvania politics, Paparo received a $2.5 million settlement. The settlement was finalized in March 2024, resolving the contentious and costly litigation that had embroiled the borough for years. This significant payout highlights the severity of the allegations and the borough’s decision to conclude the lawsuit outside of a full trial.

Critical Policy Overhauls and the Push for Accreditation

Beyond the leadership changes and legal battles, the Yeadon Borough Police Department has faced scrutiny over its internal policies, particularly following a tragic incident. This has spurred a major effort to modernize and professionalize the department through accreditation.

Internal Study Reveals Fatal Policy Flaws

A recent internal study of the Yeadon Borough Police Department uncovered serious deficiencies in departmental procedures. The study concluded that outdated policies and the improper structure of holding cells may have contributed to the death of a woman in custody. This finding underscored the urgent need for a complete review and overhaul of the department's operational manual and facilities. This incident, combined with the other controversies, placed immense pressure on the new leadership to enact meaningful, structural change.

The Road to Police Accreditation (2025 Update)

Under Chief Giammarco, the YBPD has made police accreditation a top priority, a goal that signifies a commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement best practices. As of the Legislative Meeting Minutes from August 2025, the department has made significant progress in this endeavor. The policy work required for accreditation has been completed, and the department is now in the crucial phase of compiling "proofs" and documentation. This process is rigorous and involves meeting hundreds of specific standards covering everything from use of force to evidence handling and administrative practices.

Ongoing Training and Legal Updates

The department has also prioritized continuous professional development for its officers. Reports indicate that officers are receiving ongoing legal updates to ensure compliance with the latest laws and judicial decisions. Furthermore, officers have been training in updated CLEAN (Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network) and State systems, ensuring they have the most current tools and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and lawfully. These efforts are foundational to addressing the policy issues identified in the internal study and securing accreditation.

The Future of Policing in Yeadon Borough

The Yeadon Borough Police Department is clearly in a transitional period, marked by a decisive move toward transparency, accountability, and professional standards. The financial and political cost of past controversies—culminating in the $2.5 million settlement—serves as a powerful incentive for the Yeadon Borough Council and the police command staff to ensure the current reforms are successful and lasting. The pursuit of accreditation, with policy work completed as of mid-2025, suggests the department is nearing a major milestone that could redefine its relationship with the community and its reputation within Delaware County. Key entities involved in this ongoing transformation include the Yeadon Borough Council, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, and various community oversight groups, all watching closely as the YBPD attempts to solidify a new, stable, and accredited operational model. The successful implementation of these changes will be the true measure of Chief Giammarco's tenure and the borough's commitment to modern law enforcement.
The $2.5 Million Lawsuit and New Leadership: 5 Major Updates from the Yeadon Borough Police Department
yeadon borough police department
yeadon borough police department

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