Lehighton’s newest full-time police officer has joined the ranks of the borough police department.

Borough Mayor Ryan Saunders swore in officer Brent Castelletti at Monday’s borough council meeting.

After the meeting, borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky said that with Castelletti, the department now has 12 full-time officers, including himself.

Last month, after an hour executive session, borough council unanimously agreed to extend conditional offer of employment to police officer applicant No. 1 from the active Civil Service List. The name would not be released until all documentation was final.

Abelovsky said after that meeting the candidate’s name wouldn’t be released at this time.

Council recently established parameters for a previously approved sign-on bonus to attract more qualified police candidates.

Borough council on a 5-1 vote in June agreed to a sign-on bonus that would give $2,500 up front, an additional $2,500 following the probationary period, and the condition that officers would need to stay three years to keep the money.

Before that vote, Councilman Steve Hawk said the goal is to have more of a supply of candidates.

Later during that meeting following an executive session, council on a 6-0 vote adopted a resolution for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant to offset new patrolman hiring and sponsor an applicant.

In May, council agreed on a 5-1 vote to increase the sign-on bonus to $5,000.

Councilwoman Jordyn Miller asked if the process could be expedited because the borough has been having trouble finding qualified applicants.

The last applicant accepted a position elsewhere.

Abelovsky suggested changing incentives.

Mayor Ryan Saunders questioned at that time if the borough should consider offering different incentives to attract a better pool of candidates.

Abelovsky explained the problem is a large number of jobs are available and the majority of departments are offering $5,000 sign-on bonuses.

He said the borough’s police department is currently budgeted for 13 full-time officers, not including him. At present, he said it has 11 full-time officers, including himself, and three were injured.

Councilman Joe Flickinger questioned why the borough isn’t able to handle the current call volume wit more police officers.

Abelovsky said at that time the department is handling the call volume — which is above average with increased duties such as e-bike disturbances and displaced people incidents — to the best of its ability.

While they are not over budget, officers have had to cover extra shifts, which can become taxing on them.

Hawk said he’s had multiple conversations with people in the borough who say they want officers out on the streets.

Hawk had suggested a $7,500 sign-on bonus, but that motion died due to lack of a second.

Councilman Dave Arndt then made a motion to increase the sign-on bonus to $5,000.

Contractual salary in 2026 is $86,795 based upon prior experience. The department is in a contract year and looking to remain highly competitive with surrounding departments.