Captain Stephen A. Skiles
Administrative Services Division

Captain Skiles began his career in 1986. While a patrol officer, he served as a Field Training Officer and member of the Special Emergency Response Team. In 1990, he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division where he remained until November 1997. During those years he investigated cases ranging from minor thefts to homicides. He received advanced training and experience in child abuse and child death investigation. Captain Skiles considers child abuse investigation to have been the most emotionally difficult, yet most rewarding aspect of his career.

Captain Skiles was promoted to Sergeant in 1997 and then to Lieutenant in 2001. He served as a Patrol Division supervisor and for a brief period, a SERT and Bicycle Rapid Response Team supervisor. He also performed pre-employment and background investigations of new employees. In November 2001, he was assigned as the Community Policing Coordinator. In that role, he assisted the Chief of Police in reorganizing the agency so that it was structured consistent with the community policing and problem solving philosophy adopted by the City. He also acted as the liaison with all contracted service areas.

In 2005, he transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division where he supervised the Property Crimes Unit and then the Special Investigations Unit. In that capacity, he was again able to prosecute and coordinate child abuse cases, as well as other criminal and internal investigations. He then transferred to the Administrative Services Division and served briefly before being promoted to Captain in April 2009.

Captain Skiles serves as the commander of the Administrative Services Division. He is responsible for the oversight of the Records Unit, Information Technology, Training, Jail section, Professional Standards and Community Relations. Additionally, he oversees the bureau’s $20 million budget, facilities management, policy writing, and grant administration.

Captain Skiles was born in Lancaster City and graduated from Hempfield High School and York College of Pennsylvania. He is a 2003 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy- session 213. He has received numerous awards and commendations including the Richard Slaugh Patrolman of the Year and several merit and unit awards. He is married and the father of three children.

Captain Skiles subscribes to Sir Robert Peel’s belief that the police are only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence. Any successes that the police earn must be shared with the residents, merchants, and visitors of Lancaster City. Lancaster’s highly trained and motivated police officers welcome the support and involvement of our community.