South Buffalo is regularly patrolled by police officers who know the township’s 30 square miles and the neighboring community of Cadogan Township.

That comes as a surprise to some residents, said police Chief Jeffrey Kuntz.

Maybe that’s because, the chief says, the most dangerous thing in the quiet community might be its deer population.

Fall brings more deer and other game onto the township’s roads, causing accidents even for residents who know the roads well, he said.

Then winter weather brings crashes on the twists and turns of the township’s largely rural roads.

Of course, South Buffalo may not always be so quiet.

While many families can trace their histories in the township back several generations, the community is poised for growth, the chief said.

It’s readily accessible to people entering from Butler County on Ford City and Sarver roads and Route 356, Kuntz said.

Northpointe industrial park is about six miles from the township office. The park is near the Slate Lick exit (Exit 18) of Route 28.

“Alcohol can now be sold within the park, so there should be development there soon,” Kuntz said. Still, he doesn’t anticipate problems.

Kuntz and Officer Vincent Beaver patrol the township on a rotating schedule.

State police patrol at other times, and that offers time for the township’s two officers to upgrade their training.

Although the township is patrolled on a regular basis, some people don’t believe it.

The police department’s biggest challenge involves visibility, Kuntz said.

“One man told me we’re not really police because we aren’t a 24-hour department,” he said, shaking his head.

“The township is covered 24 hours, including at least 16 hours by the local officers,” he said.

“A lot of residents still don’t realize we have a police department. We also work with school resource officers at the schools,” he said.

Kuntz said residents who don’t believe the township has its own police force should be on the lookout for their vehicle: it’s a dark SUV with white and bright red lettering.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)