In Tim Bernhardt’s new position, he deals with people from 65 different countries who speak over 50 languages. While it may sound like he is employed by the United Nations, he actually works in law enforcement in Delaware County. Bernhardt was sworn in as the new Upper Darby Township Police Department Superintendent on September 23, 2021.  

Bernhardt brings a long history of law enforcement to his new position. He has worked in the field for 22 years, 17 years with Upper Darby Township. Having grown up in the Drexel Hill section of the township, he is proud to have the opportunity to give back and support the residents.

He remembers hearing the phrase, “one world, many cultures,” in a class he had with Dr. Sam Lemon at Neumann. The phrase stayed with him, and he uses it as a mantra in his current position.

"One world, many cultures."

That seemed to be true in Upper Darby. We have to be understanding and show empathy to the people that we serve every day,” he said. “If you get involved with the community, the community will be involved with you.”

Bernhardt is a champion of change and innovation.  He spearheaded the department’s Racial Intelligence Program, which provided training and certification for all 133 officers and has taken the lead to install body cameras on all his officers by January 2022.