Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Lisa Layden
Detective Sergeant
Southwestern Regional Police Department
Detective Sergeant Layden is a twenty-two-year veteran of law enforcement in York County. She previously served as a part time police officer in West Fairview Borough, Cumberland County, and was hired by the then North Codorus Township Police Department in 1992. Layden became a member of the Southwestern Regional Police Department when it was formed in 2002. She is assigned as a detective sergeant, and previously served as a patrol officer and patrol sergeant. She has received multiple department commendations, twice department officer of the year, twice employee of the quarter, and has received awards from the York County Juvenile Court.
Layden was born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Honesdale High School. She graduated York College of Pennsylvania College with a BS degree, Penn State University with a Master's Degrtee, and is currently a doctoral student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She served in the Air National Guard from 2001 to 2004 as a part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing.
Layden is married, and has two adult children. She is involved in Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Polar Plunge, and volunteers with the Chil Abuse Prevention and Outreach Program.
Layden was born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, and had never planned on a career in policing. Recognizing her ability to deal with people, she put herself through the HACC police academy while raising two children. Her formal education goals and her career have never slowed and she is constantly looking to better herself in her profession.
Layden investigates and supervises the toughest crimes, time consuming investigations and those that involve children as victims. In 2017, she personally handled 39 investigations where kids were victims of physical or sexual abuse, 4 elder abuse cases and 5 Megan's Law violations. A December homicide of a mother of three where an intruder broke into her home at night brought real concern and fear to an entire community. She brought the case to a close within 48 hours, bringing calm back to the residents.
Layden's work and knowledge of crimes against choildren have resulted in her being recognized as an expert witness in federal court and she has testified in many criminal and civil cases due to that status. In addition to her investigative prowess, Layden tirelessly works with many agencies to support the victims and their families. She has a sincere interest and desire to assist victims of crime and performs these tasks in a very humane, concerning and understanding manner.