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A recent incident in Coolbaugh Township’s A Pocono Country Place (APCP) has raised countywide concerns about private security personnel performing police-style traffic stops in violation of Pennsylvania law.
The Coolbaugh Case
Resident Mr. Ertle reports that APCP Public Safety Officers have been stopping vehicles with flashing red lights and sirens — conduct that Pennsylvania law reserves for authorized emergency vehicles operated by police, fire, or certain certified EMS units.
August 9, 2025 – Around 5:50 p.m., Officer Snyder allegedly pulled over Mr. Ertle’s vehicle on Country Place Drive using red lights and sirens. When asked for legal authority, Snyder reportedly cited “PA 235,” a law about lethal weapons certification — not traffic enforcement powers.
Video Credit: Matthew Ertle
August 10, 2025 – Around 8:20 p.m., a female Public Safety Officer allegedly made a similar stop, claiming “EVOC certification” permitted the use of emergency lights.
Video Credit: Matthew Ertle
Complicity from Local Authorities?
According to Mr. Ertle, troubling responses came from law enforcement and emergency services outside APCP:
On August 9, a Monroe County 911 dispatcher reportedly told him these traffic stops were permitted.
On August 11, Officer Carmine Saprona of the Mount Pocono Regional Police allegedly acknowledged knowing about the activity but became hostile when questioned on camera.
Video Credit: Matthew Ertle
Mr. Ertle believes these actions could potentially constitute a violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 306 (liability for conduct of another), and has provided video evidence of these interactions.
Pennsylvania Law for All Communities
While this case happened in Coolbaugh Township, the legal principles apply throughout Monroe County:
- 75 Pa.C.S. § 4571 – Only certain authorized emergency vehicles may use red lights and sirens. Unauthorized use is a summary offense, punishable by $500–$1,500 fines per incident.
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 4912 – Impersonating a public servant (including law enforcement) is a misdemeanor when someone falsely claims or implies such authority to make someone comply.
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 306 – A person is legally accountable for another’s conduct if they aid, agree to aid, or fail to prevent a crime when under a legal duty to do so.
Homeowners associations, gated communities, and private security companies in Monroe County are not exempt from these laws.
The Legal Context
APCP’s Public Safety Officers are not sworn police officers. Certifications like Act 235 (weapons training) or EVOC (emergency vehicle operations) do not grant them general police powers or legal authority to perform traffic stops with red lights and sirens unless explicitly permitted under Pennsylvania law.
The Uniform Planned Community Act (68 Pa.C.S. § 5101) outlines association powers, but state motor vehicle laws still apply.
Why This Matters Countywide
When private security in any Monroe County community conducts stops that resemble official police action, it can:
- Cause confusion about who is an actual law enforcement officer
- Escalate tensions and increase safety risks
- Blur the lines between legitimate police activity and private enforcement
- Undermine public trust in both private and public safety officials
Concerns grow when local authorities appear to condone or ignore such conduct.
What’s Next
Mr. Ertle plans to bring his complaint and video evidence to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges. He has also criticized APCP leadership for ignoring these alleged violations.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: If You’re Stopped by a Public Safety Officer in APCP or Anywhere in Monroe County
If you are pulled over by a non-police officer using red lights and sirens:
- Stay calm and safe – Pull over in a well-lit, public area if possible.
- Ask for identification – Request to see the officer’s name, badge, and employer.
- Ask for legal authority – Politely ask what law or statute authorizes them to stop your vehicle.
- Record the interaction – Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state for audio, but you may record in public places where there is no expectation of privacy. Video can be critical evidence.
- Do not resist physically – Even if the stop is unlawful, keep interactions non-confrontational to avoid escalation.
- Report the incident – Contact local law enforcement, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and your municipal government. Provide any video or witness statements.
- Know the penalties – Unauthorized use of red lights and sirens, or impersonating law enforcement, is a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to MonroeCountyPA.com for updates.