The West Chester Borough Council voted on Tuesday to extend the contract of ELPS Private Detective Agency through the fall semester so that it may continue weekend patrols of the neighborhods near West Chester University.

Borough Council instituted a pilot program in conjunction with the university in March for private security teams to help with public safety and quality of life issues in the neighborhoods surrounding the university.

"It's hard to get objective evidence that it's having an effect," said council member Jordan Norley.  "But subjectively, I've heard from residents that it's helped out a lot."

Originally slated to last from March until April, the program will now carry through until the end of the fall semester.

"All of the funding for this is coming through the university," said Mayor Carolyn Comitta.  "It's through that partnership that this program can continue through the fall.