The Lehighton Police Department has outgrown its current quarters and is in need of more space.

That was the message conveyed to borough council on Monday by the borough's police chief.About 30 members of the Lehighton Fire Department attended the session with concerns that the police department wants to use the entire bay of the old Engine Company No. 2.Michael Mriss, assistant fire chief, said the fire department "received word secondhand concerning the front portion of the bay of station 2.""I personally feel our police department is at a crossroads in their operation," Mriss said."There is no doubt the Lehighton Police Department will grow, but whether it's due to an increase in crime, or becoming a contract service or regionalization, is the question."Mriss added, "This is a crucial time for planning to take place, (including) either relocation, or what seems to be most logical is expansion to the north to provide them with safe and efficient facilities and parking that would plan for future needs and growth."Steve Ebbert, chairman of the building committee, said, "There's no doubt the police department needs more room.""Our goal is the same; the public safety for the citizens of this borough," Ebbert said."We are lacking space right now," Police Chief Brian Biechy said. "We are growing."Councilman Scott Rehrig asked where the borough would get money to pay for a new police station.Council President Grant Hunsicker said the borough only had so much money at the time, which is why the police department is located at its current site.In 2011, the police department moved into the former Lehighton Fire Company building at 124 South Third St. The building bears the name of former Lehighton Borough Mayor, William "Cap" Bauchspies.However, Councilman Joe Flickinger said such an approach was akin to putting a Band-Aid on to fix the bleed."In my opinion, we've been placed on the back burner," Biechy said.He said the police department is not functioning efficiently.Councilman Darryl Arner said the borough doesn't want to have a problem with either of the departments because they are both "very valuable to us."Councilwoman Helen Torok said that crime has escalated in the borough."What we had is one thing," Torok said. "What we are facing is reality."Biechy said that despite the situation, there has never been a breakdown between the departments when it comes to response time.Ebbert suggested to council that it look to apply for some kind of grants for the police department.Arner said a workshop session should be scheduled with both the police and fire departments.