53 Pa. Stat. § 53251
This act shall not apply to any borough, incorporated town or township of the first class having a police force of less than three members. Hereafter each and every appointment to and promotion in the police force in every borough, incorporated town and township of the first class (hereinafter called a municipality) shall be made only according to qualifications and fitness to be ascertained by examinations which shall be competitive as hereinafter provided.
The provisions of this act and of any amendments or supplements thereto shall be in effect as to boroughs, only while sections 1125, 1127 and 1128 as now contained in "The General Borough Act" are in force, subject, however, to the method of appointment and removal hereinafter provided.
No person shall hereafter be suspended, removed or reduced in rank as a paid employe in any police force of any municipality except in accordance with the provisions of this act.
53 P.S. § 53251