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Pennsylvania State Police

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Pennsylvania State Police
Patch of Pennsylvania State Police
Patch of Pennsylvania State Police
Wordmark of the Pennsylvania State Police
Wordmark of the Pennsylvania State Police
AbbreviationPSP
Agency overview
FormedMay 2, 1905; 119 years ago (1905-05-02)
Preceding agencies
  • Pennsylvania State Constabulary Pennsylvania State Constables (1905–1937)
  • State Highway Patrol (1923–1937)
  • Pennsylvania Motor Police (1937–1943)
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionPennsylvania, U.S.
Pennsylvania State Police Troops
Size46,055 sq mi
Population12,972,008 (2022)[1]
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Troopers4,740 (as of 2023)[2]
Civilian employees1,850 (as of 2015)[2]
Agency executive
Areas4
Troops16
Facilities
Stations90
Airbases6
Helicopters6 Bell 407GX
Airplanes2 "High Wings"
Website
Pennsylvania State Police website

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is the state police agency of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, responsible for statewide law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police is a full service law enforcement agency which handles both traffic and criminal law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police was founded in 1905 by order of Governor Samuel Pennypacker, by signing Senate Bill 278 on May 2, 1905. The bill was signed in response to the Great Anthracite Strike of 1902. Leading up to the Anthracite Strike, private police forces (the coal and iron police) were used by mine and mill owners to stop worker strikes. The inability or refusal of local police or sheriffs' offices to enforce the law directly influenced the signing of Bill 278. The Anthracite Strike lasted from May 15 to October 23, 1902, and was ended with the help of Theodore Roosevelt, the sitting president at the time.

PSP enlisted members are referred to as "Troopers". Up until 1963, married men were not allowed to apply to the state police, and active troopers had to seek permission from their superior officer to get married. As of 2021, the state police has approximately 4,547 State Troopers and more than 1,850 civilian support staff.[3]

Pennsylvania State Police Academy

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In 1924, a State Police training academy was built in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Cocoa Avenue. The site was located at the Hershey Inn and it remained at this location until 1960 when it was moved to 175 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania. The current location is fitted with kennels, stables and a range, among other facilities, and is located only a few miles from the original site. Once accepted into the Pennsylvania State Police Academy cadets endure a rigorous 28-week training period.[4] Cadets live at the academy in barracks style quarters and are only permitted to go home on designated weekends. Cadets who fail to complete physical training in required times or who show any other type of deficiencies may be restricted from going home. While attending training, cadets are put on an 18-month probationary period and can be dismissed at any point in their training by the commissioner under any form of incompetence, inefficiency, or general violation of rules and regulations.[5] The current drop-out rate for new recruits in the academy is approximately 20 percent per class.

Operations

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Under Pennsylvania law, a municipality may choose to have the state police act as its local law enforcement, and the municipality does not have to pay any fees to do so. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not use county sheriff's offices to patrol areas without local police, and so the PSP covers areas without local police departments. As of 2016 1,287 municipalities in the state used the PSP as their only local law enforcement.[6] The full PSP municipalities that have a population of 10,000 or below combined have about 17% of the total number of people in Pennsylvania; these municipalities make up about 50% of the total municipalities in the state.[7] In 2019, about 66% of the municipalities in the state had PSP as the sole law enforcement or had a part-time police force combined with PSP.[8] As of 2016 all areas in the following counties use PSP as their local law enforcement (either fully, or with part-time police departments): Cameron, Forest, Fulton, Juniata, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming.[6]

Facilities

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The PSP owns and operates a myriad of facilities to conduct law enforcement operations across the Commonwealth.

The following is the breakdown:

Barracks listing by county

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Bureaus and offices

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The PSP also has many bureaus and subdivisions within the organization.[9] This is by no means a complete list, merely a sampling of the breakdown.

  • Bureau of Criminal Investigation
  • Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations
  • Bureau of Forensic Services
  • Bureau of Human Resources
  • Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement
  • Bureau of Records and Identification
  • Bureau of Patrol
  • Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards
  • Bureau of Communications and Information Services
  • Bureau of Staff Services
  • Bureau of Research & Development
  • Bureau of Training & Education
  • Bureau of Gaming Enforcement
  • Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network – C.L.E.A.N.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Office
  • Public Information Office
  • Recruitment and Special Services Office
  • Member Assistance Office
  • Department Discipline Office
  • Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC)
  • Domestic Security Office
  • Bureau of Pregnancies & Domestic Affairs

Units

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  • Uniform Patrol Units
  • Criminal Investigation Units
  • Vice/Narcotics
  • Organized Crime
  • Intelligence Units
  • Unsolved Crimes
  • Fugitive Units
  • Marine Unit
  • Aviation
  • Motorcycle Units
  • K-9 Units
  • Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialists
  • Vehicle Fraud Investigation
  • Mounted Units
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
  • Auto Theft Units
  • Firearms Instructors
  • Public Information Officers
  • Recruiting Unit
  • Community Service Officer
  • Forensic Services Unit
  • Gaming Enforcement
  • Computer Crimes
  • PA Crime Stoppers
  • PA Criminal Intelligence Center
  • Fire Marshals
  • Polygraph Unit
  • Megan's Law Unit
  • Ceremonial Unit
  • PA Instant Check System
  • Interdiction Units
  • Ballistics Section
  • Clandestine Lab Units
  • State Police Crime Laboratories
  • Explosives/Bomb Section
  • Academy Instructors
  • Drug Recognition Experts
  • Criminal Interdiction (S.H.I.E.L.D)
  • Special Emergency Response Teams (SERT), which is the PA State Police's version of S.W.A.T
  • Negotiators

Uniform and rank structure

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The uniform worn by PSP troopers is unique within Pennsylvania. In January 1988, the State Police changed the color of its uniforms. PSP troopers wore dark grey uniforms that confused them with some municipal police departments and Pennsylvania State Constables. By state law, no municipal (city, borough, or township) police department can wear the same exact uniform or color configuration as that of the PSP.

Uniform – troopers to sergeants

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The current PSP uniform for troopers, corporals, and sergeants consists of a light gray uniform shirt with black shoulder epaulets. The PSP shoulder patch is worn on both sleeves of all uniform items. The PSP members are issued long sleeve shirts for the winter and short sleeve shirts for summer. However, PSP requires the black necktie to be worn year round. The uniform shirt consist of the trooper's nameplate over the right pocket and any awards the trooper has earned over the left pocket. The PSP is one of only five state police forces that do not wear a badge on their uniform shirts.[10][self-published source?] The original PSP uniform was modeled after the Constabulary forces in Europe and they did not have badges. It is history and tradition for troopers today to carry their badges in a wallet along with their photo ID card. The uniform trousers are a darker gray color with a one-inch-wide black stripe on the leg. PSP shoes and/or boots are also black in color.

The PSP duty belt is plain black leather. The duty holster is the level-2 model. The ammo pouch and handcuff case have hidden snap closure. The OC pepper spray and ASP baton holders are open top. The duty belt is held together with the trousers belt using four silver snap belt keepers.

The PSP trademark item is the campaign-style hat with the chin strap worn in the front under the chin on the winter campaign hat (as opposed to most agencies that wear the strap of the campaign hat behind the head). The hat contains a blackened commonwealth coat of arms. It is required to be worn whenever the trooper is outdoors. It is made of dark gray felt (for wintertime wear) or light gray straw (for summertime wear). The strap of the summer hat is worn behind the head.

The Class "A" Ceremonial Unit troopers wear a "full dress" uniform which is a charcoal gray military-style dress coat with black buttons. It is worn with matching charcoal gray military-style riding breeches and black high-rider leather boots. The duty belt is worn with the shoulder strap. This uniform is modeled after the original PSP history uniform.

Uniform – lieutenants to colonels

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The uniforms for PSP Lieutenants, Captains, Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and the Colonel are identical to that of the lower ranks, except for the following:

  • A gold-colored commonwealth coat of arms on the left collar and the officer's rank on the right collar.
  • Black stripes on trousers has a gold stripe within it of increasing width with higher rank.
  • The campaign hat is replaced with a military officer's style service cap with a gold-colored commonwealth seal. Captains and above have the distinctive "scrambled eggs" on the visor. Alternatively, officers may wear the campaign hat with a gold coat of arms with the duty uniform.

In addition to the minor detail changes, senior officers wear the four-button military coat for "Class A" functions. The coat has four gold-colored buttons, breast and hip pockets, and shoulder epaulets for the placement of the officer's current rank. A white shirt is worn with a black tie underneath. A system of "rank rings" are worn on each sleeve, similar to the rank-ring system used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and by land units of the Canadian Forces. Currently, the insignia worn by PSP senior officers are as follows:

  • Lieutenant: no service stripes
  • Captain: one service stripe
  • Major: two service stripes
  • Lieutenant Colonel: three service stripes
  • Colonel: four service stripes

Ranks, insignia, and descriptions, Etc

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Title Insignia Additional Information
Commissioner (Rank of Colonel)
The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police holds the Rank of Colonel. The Commissioner is the Commander of the Pennsylvania state Police
Deputy Commissioner (Rank of Lieutenant Colonel)
The Deputy Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police holds the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The Deputy Commissioner is Second-In Command of the Pennsylvania state Police.
Major
Majors are in charge of an Area, such as Area III, encompassing several Troops.
Captain
Captains are in charge of a Troop, such as Troop B, encompassing several Stations.
Lieutenant
Lieutenants are in charge of a Station, such as Station 1 (located in Troop B which is located in Area III).
Sergeant
Sergeants are Station Commanders, Supervisor of a unit, section, or specialty position.
Corporal
Corporals are Supervisors of Troopers, overseeing the patrol's daily calls for service.
Trooper First Class
This is a longevity promotion for Troopers with 12 years of service.
Trooper
Upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of Trooper.
State Police Cadet
A State Police Cadet is a Commonwealth employee who is enrolled in but has not yet graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Vehicles

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The department currently operates a mixed fleet of vehicles including the new law enforcement specific Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger. The PSP also owns and operates numerous helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.[11] PSP operates watercraft mainly on the Delaware River and Lake Erie.

Aviation

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Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter

The PSP Aviation Section consists of thirty-five trooper pilots and three full-time mechanics, using six law enforcement specific Bell 407GX helicopters and six airplanes statewide. These aircraft are stationed in six aviation patrol units (APU).

Weapons

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The Pennsylvania State Police utilizes the Walther PDP (Service Pistol) which is a 9×19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol designed in 2021 by Walther Arms as a replacement for the Walther PPQ. The Walther PDP is also mounted with an Aimpoint Acro P-2 red dot reflex sight.

Other firearms include the Colt AR-15 (including the LE6920 and LE6940), 12-gauge shotguns (including the Remington 870 pump), and gas grenade launcher.[12]

The current less-lethal weapons the PSP is utilizing consist of Electroshock weapon technology,[13] pepper spray (OC), and expandable ASP straight batons.

Accreditation

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The Pennsylvania State Police is the largest internationally accredited law enforcement agency in the world. This distinction was awarded to the Pennsylvania State Police on July 31, 1993, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), an independent, non-profit organization based in Fairfax, Virginia.[14]

Accreditation is a process used by professional law enforcement agencies to facilitate the creation, verification and maintenance of high-quality policies and procedures, via voluntary compliance with performance standards. CALEA's 446 standards address nine major law enforcement topics: role, responsibilities, and relationships with other agencies; organization, management, and administration; personnel structure; personnel process; operations; operational support; traffic operations; prisoner and court-related services; and auxiliary and technical services.[15]

Members killed in the line of duty

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Key
  shaded rows with "SHP" in the Notes cell denotes the officer was a member of the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol.

Name Rank Badge Number Tenure End of Watch Age Cause of Death Notes
John F. Henry Private — 8 months September 2, 1906 31 Gunfire
Francis A. Zehringer Private — 8 months September 2, 1906 34 Gunfire
Timothy Kelleher Private — 1 year, 8 months September 14, 1907 29 Stabbed
Mark A. Prynn Sergeant — 3 years, 2 months February 9, 1909 29 Gunfire (Accidental)
John Garscia Private — 3 years, 3 months February 21, 1909 35 Gunfire (Accidental)
John L. Williams Private — 2 years August 22, 1909 29 Gunfire
John C. "Jack" Smith Private — 7 months August 23, 1909 24 Gunfire
Robert V. Myers Private — 1 year, 1 month March 28, 1913 22 Gunfire (Accidental)
Andrew W. Czap Private — 8 months April 28, 1918 24 Gunfire
John F. Dargus Private — 8 months May 31, 1918 21 Gunfire
Chester A. Kuhns Private — 2 years October 6, 1918 29 Spanish Influenza
Joseph B. Malloy Private — 2 years October 9, 1918 24 Spanish Influenza
Zoe A. Remaly Sergeant — 9 years October 15, 1918 35 Spanish Influenza
George E. Higgins Private — 3 months October 20, 1918 26 Spanish Influenza
Joseph R. Brown Private — 1 year, 6 months October 22, 1918 29 Spanish Influenza
Edward C. Jackson Private — 2 years October 23, 1918 27 Spanish Influenza
John P. McLaughlin Private — 1 years, 5 months October 24, 1918 34 Spanish Influenza
James A. Walsh Private — — December 15, 1918 25 Spanish Influenza
Stanley W. Christ Private — 1 month December 1, 1919 22 Animal related
Benjamin F. McEvoy Corporal — 13 years, 3 months September 21, 1923 40 Struck by vehicle
William J. Omlor Private — 4 years, 4 months October 25, 1923 29 Motorcycle accident
Francis L. Haley Private 2551 5 months October 14, 1924 25 Gunfire
Edwin F. Haas Sergeant — 14 years October 17, 1924 35 Gunfire (Accidental)
Bernard S. C. McElroy Private — 1 year, 11 months December 21, 1924 25 Motorcycle accident
Bertram Beech Private — 1 year, 7 months December 10, 1925 28 Struck by train
Claude F. Keesey Private — 1 year, 4 months January 4, 1927 23 Automobile accident
Martin A. Hanahoe Patrolman — 1 year, 1 month February 27, 1927 24 Vehicular assault SHP
Thomas E. Lipka Private — 1 year, 8 months April 3, 1927 25 Automobile accident
John M. Thomas Sergeant — 1 month May 8, 1927 43 Automobile accident
John J. Downey Private 2853 3 years, 2 months August 22, 1927 31 Gunfire
Vincent A. Hassen Corporal — 1 year December 27, 1927 24 Motorcycle accident SHP
Sharon C. Wible Patrolman — 6 months February 6, 1928 22 Motorcycle accident SHP
Andrew W. Miller Patrolman — 7 months April 1, 1928 21 Motorcycle accident SHP
James F. "Jay" Proof Patrolman — 1 year, 6 months August 29, 1928 30 Vehicle pursuit SHP
Russell T. Swanson Patrolman — 1 year, 6 months April 19, 1929 22 Gunfire SHP
Wells C. Hammond Patrolman — 10 months October 14, 1929 24 Motorcycle accident SHP
Brady C. Paul Corporal — 3 years, 11 months December 27, 1929 26 Gunfire SHP
Thomas E. Lawry Corporal — 3 years, 4 months January 31, 1930 24 Vehicular assault SHP
Arthur A. Koppenhaver Patrolman — 1 year July 13, 1930 22 Motorcycle accident SHP
Charles L. Stewart Private — 1 year, 1 month July 18, 1930 22 Gunfire
Thomas B. Elder Patrolman — 2 years March 22, 1931 28 Vehicular assault SHP
Timothy G. McCarthy Sergeant — 11 years, 8 months May 12, 1931 42 Gunfire
Orville A. Mohring Patrolman — 2 years, 6 months December 11, 1931 24 Vehicular assault SHP
Joseph A. Conrad Patrolman — 1 year, 11 months September 6, 1932 26 Motorcycle accident SHP
Charles E. Householder Patrolman — 5 years, 3 months August 20, 1933 27 Vehicular assault SHP
Herbert P. Brantlinger Patrolman — 1 year, 8 months September 3, 1933 27 Gunfire SHP
James A. Seerey First Sergeant 1760 14 years, 7 months September 10, 1934 42 Animal related
Floyd W. Maderia Private — 4 years, 7 months December 11, 1934 34 Automobile accident
Joseph L. Fulton Corporal — 7 years, 8 months June 4, 1936 32 Motorcycle accident SHP
Joe B. Champion Sergeant — 11 years, 9 months July 15, 1936 36 Automobile accident SHP
J. Lee Clarke Patrolman — 3 years, 1 month March 1, 1937 32 Motorcycle accident SHP
John E. Fessler Private — 4 years, 1 month April 23, 1937 32 Gunfire
Joseph A. Hoffer Private — 7 years, 7 months April 27, 1937 29 Gunfire
John J. Broski Private 1385 19 years, 7 months August 14, 1937 40 Gunfire
John D. Simoson Patrolman — 1 year, 7 months December 1, 1937 23 Motorcycle accident
Joseph M. Williams Private — 6 months October 8, 1938 26 Struck by vehicle
Charles H. Craven Private — 8 years October 11, 1938 32 Struck by vehicle
George D. Naughton Corporal — 12 years, 2 months January 30, 1939 40 Gunfire
Frederick J. Sutton Private — 2 years, 4 months January 3, 1940 26 Gunfire
George J. Yashur Private — 3 years, 2 months April 1, 1940 24 Struck by vehicle
Thomas P. Carey Private — 6 years, 1 month June 17, 1941 31 Exposure to toxins
Dean N. Zeigler Private — 1 year October 17, 1942 24 Automobile accident
John A. Ditkosky Private — 3 years, 2 months July 24, 1950 27 Automobile accident
Floyd B. Clouse Private — 7 years, 3 months November 2, 1953 29 Gunfire
Joseph F. McMillen Private — 3 years, 11 months May 13, 1956 26 Automobile accident
Philip C. Melley Trooper — 19 years, 11 months November 3, 1957 41 Gunfire
Charles S. Stanski Trooper — 4 years January 17, 1958 29 Vehicle pursuit
Edward Mackiw Trooper — 8 years, 7 months May 31, 1958 32 Struck by vehicle
Stephen R. Gyurke Trooper 606 3 years, 10 months August 24, 1958 29 Struck by vehicle
Francis M. Tessitore Trooper — 6 years, 10 months August 5, 1960 28 Struck by vehicle
Anthony Bensch Trooper — 20 years October 3, 1961 43 Automobile accident
Edward W. Gundel Sergeant — 24 years, 6 months March 18, 1962 45 Gunfire
Richard G. Barnhart Trooper — 12 years, 8 months August 8, 1964 37 Vehicle pursuit
Gary R. Rosenberger Trooper — 1 year, 6 months December 12, 1970 26 Gunfire
John S. Valent Corporal 1003 25 years, 10 months December 9, 1971 49 Gunfire
Robert D. Lapp Jr. Trooper — 8 years, 1 month October 16, 1972 30 Gunfire
Bruce C. Rankin Trooper — 2 years, 2 months April 25, 1973 25 Automobile accident
Ross E. Snowden Trooper — 3 years, 9 months January 17, 1974 33 Aircraft accident
Leo M. Koscelnick Corporal — 7 years, 3 months August 15, 1977 33 Vehicular assault
Joseph J. Welsch Trooper — 4 years, 7 months September 13, 1977 26 Gunfire
Wayne C. Ebert Trooper — 27 years, 9 months June 7, 1978 50 Struck by vehicle
Albert J. Izzo Trooper — 7 years, 11 months June 13, 1979 35 Gunfire
David D. Monahan Trooper — 8 years, 11 months April 17, 1980 38 Vehicular assault
Herbert A. Wirfel Trooper — 20 years, 5 months February 7, 1982 45 Automobile accident
William R. Evans Trooper — 16 years, 3 months January 6, 1983 44 Vehicle pursuit
Frank J. Bowen Trooper — 2 years, 10 months October 26, 1983 27 Automobile accident
Gary W. Fisher Trooper — 4 years, 1 month February 3, 1985 26 Gunfire
John J. Brown Trooper 1290 14 years, 7 months February 14, 1985 37 Struck by vehicle
Roark H. Ross Trooper 4099 13 years, 3 months May 15, 1986 35 Automobile accident
Clinton W. Crawford Trooper — 6 years, 6 months August 17, 1987 30 Struck by vehicle
John A. Andrulewicz Trooper — 23 years, 7 months May 9, 1988 45 Automobile accident
Paul I. Almer Corporal — 14 years, 1 month April 12, 1989 39 Aircraft accident
Wayne D. Bilheimer Trooper — 21 years, 3 months April 12, 1989 44 Aircraft accident
Arthur L. Hershey Sergeant — 27 years, 8 months January 3, 1999 51 Struck by vehicle
Matthew R. Bond Trooper — 4 years, 3 months January 14, 2000 28 Automobile accident
Tod C. Kelly Trooper — 16 years, 4 months November 7, 2001 43 Struck by vehicle
Joseph J. Sepp Jr. Trooper 6672 10 years, 8 months November 10, 2002 34 Gunfire
Brian A. Patterson Trooper 7273 9 years, 4 months February 14, 2003 36 Electrocuted
Joseph R. Pokorny Jr. Corporal 4648 22 years, 5 months December 12, 2005 45 Gunfire
Joshua D. Miller Trooper 8819 10 years, 9 months June 7, 2009 34 Gunfire
Paul G. Richey Trooper 7201 16 years, 7 months January 13, 2010 40 Gunfire
Blake T. Coble Trooper First Class 5504 24 years, 9 months October 4, 2012 47 Automobile accident
Bryon K. Dickson, II Corporal 10714 7 years, 3 months September 12, 2014 38 Gunfire (terrorist attack)
David Kedra Trooper 12115 2 years, 3 months September 30, 2014 26 Gunfire (Accidental)
Landon E. Weaver Trooper 13093 1 year, 16 days December 30, 2016 23 Gunfire
Michael P. Stewart, III Trooper 12494 3 years, 6 months July 14, 2017 26 Automobile accident
Donald C. Brackett Trooper First Class — 17 years, 9 months May 18, 2019 58 Training related
Monty R. Mitchell Trooper First Class 10816 13 years, 3 months February 8, 2021 45 Heart attack
Dung X. Martinez Trooper First Class 8533 20 years, 7 months October 21, 2021 57 COVID-19 exposure
Branden T. Sisca Trooper 14430 1 year, 1 month March 21, 2022 29 Struck by vehicle
Martin F. Mack, III Trooper 12764 7 years, 4 months March 21, 2022 33 Struck by vehicle
Jacques F. Rougeau Jr. Trooper 14376 2 years, 11 months June 17, 2023 29 Gunfire

Superintendents and commissioners since 1905

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The following is a chronological listings of commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police:[16]

Superintendents of the Pennsylvania State Police[a]
No.[17] Name Term in Office Notes
1 Col. John C. Groome July 1, 1905

–

February 28, 1920[b]

First state police superintendent, appointed by Governor Pennypacker
- Cpt. George F. Lumb June 3, 1919[c] Served as acting superintendent briefly
2 Major Lynn G. Adams March 1, 1920

–

February 28, 1937[b]

Adams created the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCI&I) and named Captain Wilson C. Price to serve as the bureau's first chief.[18]
- Office vacant February 28, 1937

–

June 29, 1937

Office remained vacant for four months following the retirement of Adams
Superintendents of the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol[d]
1 Cpt. Wilson C. Price May 18, 1923

–

April 13, 1936[b]

First highway patrol superintendent, appointed by Governor Pinchot
- Deputy Supt.[e] Philip J. Dorr February 29, 1936[c] Served as acting superintendent briefly
- Lt. Earl J. Henry March 16, 1936[c] Served as acting superintendent briefly
2 Cpt. Charles H. Quarles April 13, 1936

–

February 28, 1937[f]

Resigned in protest of the merging of the two departments[20]
- Lt. Earl J. Henry February 28, 1937

–

June 29, 1937

Served as acting superintendent following the resignation of Quarles
Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Motor Police[g]
1 Col.[h] Percy W. Foote June 29, 1937

–

January 25, 1939[b]

First motor police commissioner, appointed by Governor Earle
- Lt. Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm January 25, 1939

–

May 31, 1939

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Foote
2 Col. Lynn G. Adams May 31, 1939

–

January 20, 1943[f]

In 1939, Col. Adams moved the horses which were stabled at 20th and Herr Street to the Hershey Training School[21]
3 Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm January 20, 1943

–

June 1, 1943[i]

Following the department's renaming in 1943, Wilhelm became the first state police commissioner
Commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police[j]
4 Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm June 1, 1943[i]

–

March 28, 1955[b]

First state police commissioner, appointed by Governor Martin
5 Col. Earl J. Henry March 28, 1955

–

February 26, 1959[b]

Henry abolished the use of the "squadron" label in favor of "district" and changed the title of "squadron commander" to "district inspector"[22]
6 Col. Frank G. McCartney February 26, 1959

–

January 29, 1963[b]

McCartney changed the name from "Pennsylvania State Police Training School" to "Pennsylvania State Police Academy"[23]
7 Col. E. Wilson Purdy January 29, 1963

–

April 8, 1966[b]

In 1963, Purdy introduced a five-day work week for the first time in State Police History.

Purdy also for the first time in State Police history allowed married men to apply for cadet training[24]

- Lt. Col. Paul A. Rittelmann April 8, 1966

–

January 17, 1967

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Purdy
8 Col. Frank McKetta January 17, 1967

–

January 25, 1971[b]

Appointed by Governor Shafer, previously led the Federal Protective Service
9 Col. Rocco P. Urella January 25, 1971

–

January 2, 1973[b]

Permitted the enlistment of female troopers in 1971[25]
10 Col. James D. Barger January 2, 1973

–

February 15, 1977[b]

Began construction of the new state police headquarters[26]
11 Col. Paul J. Chylak February 15, 1977

–

March 1, 1979[b]

Chylak initiated the State Police Aerial Reconnaissance and Enforcement, also known as (S.P.A.RE.)[27]
12 Daniel F. Dunn[k] March 1, 1979

–

May 16, 1984[l]

In June 1980, Dunn made the .357 Ruger, a stainless steel, four inch barrel revolver, the new standard sidearm[28]
- Lt. Col. Cyril J. Laffey May 16, 1984

–

December 1, 1984[f]

Served as acting commissioner following the death of Dunn
- Lt. Col. Nicholas Dellarciprete December 1, 1984

–

March 6, 1985

Served as acting commissioner following the resignation of Laffey
13 Col. Jay Cochran Jr.[29] March 6, 1985

–

January 30, 1987[b]

Under Cochran's leadership, the agency developed new uniforms, a new shoulder patch, and multiple offices were renamed[30]
14 Col. John K. Schafer January 30, 1987

–

August 3, 1987[l]

Schafer served as commissioner for only a brief period due to an unfortunate illness which resulted in his death in August 1987[31]
15 Col. Ronald M. Sharpe August 3, 1987

–

April 23, 1991[b]

First African American to hold the position of commissioner, appointed by Governor Casey[32][33]
16 Col. Glenn A. Walp April 23, 1991

–

January 17, 1995[b]

Under the leadership of Walp, on July 31, 1993, the Pennsylvania State Police became the largest accredited police agency in the world. The department had to comply with 773 professional police standards[34]
- Maj. James B. Hazen January 17, 1995

–

February 15, 1995

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Walp
17 Col. Paul J. Evanko February 15, 1995

–

March 24, 2003[b]

Appointed by Governors Ridge and Schweiker
18 Col. Jeffrey B. Miller March 24, 2003

–

August 8, 2008[f]

Promoted from Major, appointed by Governor Rendell
- Lt. Col. Frank E. Pawlowski August 9, 2008

–

October 7, 2008[m]

Served as acting commissioner following the resignation of Miller. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on October 7, 2008[35][36]
19 Col. Frank E. Pawlowski October 7, 2008

–

January 7, 2011[b]

Promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, appointed by Governor Rendell
- Francis Noonan January 18, 2011

–

April 12, 2011[m]

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Pawlowski. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on April 12, 2011
20 Col. Francis Noonan April 12, 2011

–

August 3, 2015[b]

Former FBI Agent, appointed by Governor Corbett
- Col. Marcus Brown August 3, 2015

–

December 9, 2015[n]

Failed to be confirmed by the senate, appointed by Governor Wolf[37]
21 Col. Tyree C. Blocker December 9, 2015[n]

–

March 23, 2018[b]

Former PSP Major, appointed by Governor Wolf
- Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick March 24, 2018

–

June 4, 2019[m]

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Blocker. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on June 4, 2019
22 Col. Robert Evanchick June 4, 2019

–

January 19, 2023[b]

Former Deputy Commissioner of Operations, appointed by Governor Wolf
- Maj. Christopher L. Paris January 19, 2023

–

March 9, 2023[m]

Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Evanchick.[38] Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on March 9, 2023[39]
23 Col. Christopher L. Paris March 9, 2023[40]

–

present[o]

Former PSP Major, appointed by Governor Shapiro

Traditions

[edit]
Pennsylvania Constabulary 1905
Pennsylvania Constabulary at McKee's Rock 1909
  • PSP Troopers are widely recognized for wearing the strap of their winter campaign hats under their chins, a tradition that goes back to the early 1900s, which was based on British and Irish Bobbies.
  • The PSP is one of only a handful of state police agencies that do not wear badges on their uniforms.
  • The PSP was nationally recognized as the premiere state police agency in the early years of the 20th century. State troopers from North Carolina and Kentucky attended the training academy so they could start PSP-style state agencies in their respective states. NC trooper cadets at the academy in Raleigh and KY trooper cadets in Frankfort are frequently reminded they have a familial connection to the PSP through their training process history.[citation needed]
  • The PSP was patterned after a military organization and PSP troopers have sometimes been referred to as "Soldiers of the Law and Order".[41] Divisions of the force are called "troops", and officers are known as "troopers", a title usually reserved for members of the United States Cavalry, and reminiscent of the early beginnings of the department when officers patrolled on horseback. Regional headquarters, at which single troopers were once required to live, are referred to as "barracks". The original concept was that the troopers did not apply to join the PSP but "enlisted" for two-year periods, after which they could be honorably discharged or apply for reenlistment. The longstanding two-year enlistment periods were phased out in 1961.
  • Married men were initially barred from becoming state troopers. After 1927, troopers were allowed to marry after they had completed their first two-year enlistment if they had approval from the police superintendent. The PSP allowed married men to enlist in 1963.[42]
  • PSP does not allow ride-alongs. Even state police cadets cannot "ride along" prior to graduating the academy. This is done for numerous safety and liability reasons.[43]

Misconduct and controversy

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2000

Trooper Michael Evans pleaded guilty in October 2000 to sexual crimes committed against six women and teenage girls while on duty. He was sentenced to between five and ten years in custody.[44][45]

2007

In September, 2007, Trooper Kevin Foley was arrested for the murder of a dentist, Dr. John Yelenic, in Blairsville, Pennsylvania.[46]

2008

In July, 2008, Trooper Kevin Coleman was charged with protecting a prostitution ring based out of the Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[47]

2009

In May 2009, Trooper Shawn Dillard was found guilty by a federal court of using his position to protect an interstate prostitution ring based out of the Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This was the same investigation that led to the arrest of Trooper Coleman.[48]

2011

In early 2011, as a result of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the state police agreed to stop issuing tickets to people who swear. Press reports indicated the state police had issued as many as 700 such citations a year.[49]

2012

In January 2012, Lieutenant Barry Eugene Staub, the commander of the state police barracks in York was arrested for driving while drunk. He retired when charges were brought against him.[50]

2014

In March, 2014 Trooper Barry M Seafoss Jr. pleaded guilty to killing a woman while driving drunk in 2012. He was sentenced to between six and 23 months' confinement.[51]

2017

Trooper Ryan Luckenbaugh was sentenced by Judge Scott A. Evans to 9 to 22 months in county prison on his official oppression, simple assault and harassment convictions. Luckenbaugh kicked a handcuffed man in the face while the man sat on the sidewalk and lied about it on official reports.[52]

2021

Trooper Robert E. Covington Jr., of Olyphant, PA, for his alleged involvement in illegal activity occurring at Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club in Mayfield Borough, Lackawanna County. Covington, 48, is a 13-year veteran of PSP and was assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, Pocono Downs Wilkes-Barre Office. He had been on restricted duty during the investigation and is currently suspended without pay pending resolution of the charges against him.

Multiple Troopers Facing Charges
2022

Trooper Joshua Ravel from the York barracks was charged with DUI while on duty after he showed up for his shift and drove from York to Lancaster and back for a special assignment. He was taken to the supervisors office where he appeared under the influence, and a chemical breath test revealed his blood alcohol content to be .144. A review of the dash camera footage from his cruiser showed he was unable to maintain his lane of travel several times during the drive.

Trooper Joshua Burney from the Lewis Run barracks in McKean county was charged with DUI while on duty after a colleague noticed he smelled of alcohol and had red, glossed over eyes. Trooper Burney was taken back to the barracks where preliminary field sobriety tests and a breath test showed signs of impairment. A blood draw test showed his blood alcohol content to be .086. A review of the dash camera footage from his cruiser showed he was unable to maintain his lane of travel several times during his response to an emergency call in Mount Jewett Borough.

Both troopers were suspended without pay pending to outcome of their cases. Trooper Burney was the second trooper to be charged with DUI on duty within 4 months along with Trooper Ravel. Both were on the job for the PA State Police for less than 2 years. Trooper Ravel graduated from the academy in June 2020, and Trooper Burney graduated August 2021.

2023

Trooper Michael J. Brown stationed at the Mansfield barracks was charged with vehicular homicide. An investigation into a crash indicated he attempted to pass a vehicle illegally across the double yellow lines on U.S. Route 6 in Sullivan Township in February. As a result, Brown's vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, struck an oncoming GMC Acadia, killing the driver, 47-year-old Christine Woodward.

Pa. trooper involved in crash that killed Troy teacher charged with vehicular homicide

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "QuickFacts: Pennsylvania". U.S. Census Bureau. July 1, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Pennsylvania State Police Appropriation Hearings 2022-23 Budget Request".
  3. ^ "About the Pennsylvania State Police". Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  4. ^ "PA Trooper".
  5. ^ "PA Trooper".
  6. ^ a b Klibanoff, Eleanor (2016-05-04). "Half of Pa. municipalities rely fully on state police". WHYY-TV. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  7. ^ "State Police Coverage of Municipalities" (PDF). Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2019-02-15. p. 2/6. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  8. ^ "State Police Coverage of Municipalities" (PDF). Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2019-02-15. p. 1/6. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  9. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (2008), PSP Bureau and Office Website Listing, retrieved 2008-12-27
  10. ^ Kidd, R. Spencer (2012). Uniforms of the U.S. State Police & Highway Patrols. lulu.com. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-4717-7729-5. OCLC 929822564.[self-published source]
  11. ^ "Aviation".
  12. ^ NRA Staff. "Pennsylvania State Police Select Remington 870". American Rifleman. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2012.
  13. ^ "Home".
  14. ^ PA State Police Remains Largest Accredited Police Agency in the World PR Newswire. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  15. ^ "Home".
  16. ^ Pennsylvania State Police Leadership, Superintendents and Commissioners since 1905, retrieved 2011-03-05
  17. ^ "PSP-HEMC-Pennsylvania State Police History 3". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  18. ^ "Major Lynn G. Adams". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  19. ^ "Major Lynn G. Adams". Pennsylvania State Police Museum. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  20. ^ "Captain Charles H. Quarles". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  21. ^ "Colonel Lynn G. Adams". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  22. ^ "Colonel Cecil M. Wilhelm". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  23. ^ "Colonel Frank G. McCartney". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  24. ^ "Colonel E. Wilson Purdy". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  25. ^ "Colonel Rocco P. Urella". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  26. ^ "Colonel James D. Barger". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  27. ^ "Colonel Paul J. Chylak". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  28. ^ "Commissioner Daniel F. Dunn". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  29. ^ "PSP-HEMC: Pennsylvania State Police Leadership".
  30. ^ "Colonel Jay Cochran Jr". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  31. ^ "Colonel John K. Schafer". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  32. ^ "Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  33. ^ "PSP-HEMC-Pennsylvania State Police History 3". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  34. ^ "Colonel Glenn A. Walp". www.psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  35. ^ "Ex-Troop J head nets top job with state police". Intelligencer Journal. 2008-07-12. p. 13. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  36. ^ https://polishamericancenter.org/PANews/April10/page07.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  37. ^ "Senate rejects nomination and denies confirmation of Marcus Brown as State Police Commissioner". fox43.com. 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  38. ^ "Five More Cabinet Posts Filled By Shapiro". www.politicspa.com/. 2023-01-15. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  39. ^ "Senate Confirms Henry, Paris To Key Posts". www.politicspa.com/. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  40. ^ "Executive Nominations Information - Paris, Major Christopher". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  41. ^ "Call of Honor". Pennsylvania State Police. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  42. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (April 2003), PSP: PSP History 1900 to 1940, retrieved 2008-12-25
  43. ^ "The page 'faq.html' was not found".
  44. ^ Alleged trooper sex acts listed Accusations of sexual misconduct on the Pa. state police force are outlined in a court filing, by Chris Gray, Philadelphia Inquirer, 14 June 2003, INQUIRER
  45. ^ Trooper Pleads Guilty Michael Evans Gets 5-10 Years For Sexually Abusing 3 Girls, 3 Women, by Joseph P Ferry, 4 October 2000, The Morning Call
  46. ^ Trooper arrested in dentist's killing, by Jim McKinnon, 28 September 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  47. ^ Officer 2nd charged in prostitution inquiry, by Pete Shellem, 4 July 2008 Patriot News
  48. ^ FBI press release "Former Pennsylvania State Trooper Convicted" dated 16 May 2009
  49. ^ What the .... It's not illegal to swear at a state police officer, by the Associated Press, January 04, 2011
  50. ^ Commander of York County state police barracks retires after DUI charge, by MIKE ARGENTO, 6 January 2012, Daily Record/Sunday News
  51. ^ Ex-Trooper get jail time for fatal Upper Dublin Crash, by Margret Gibbons, 4 March 2014, The Intelligencer
  52. ^ Ex-state trooper gets prison term for kicking handcuffed Harrisburg activist in the face, 18 April 2017, PennLive

Notes

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  1. ^ Known as "Superintendent of The Pennsylvania State Police" until June 29, 1937 when it was renamed "Commissioner of The Pennsylvania Motor Police" following the merger of the state police and highway patrol.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Retired.
  3. ^ a b c It is unknown for how long they served in the acting capacity.
  4. ^ On May 18, 1923 the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol was established. It would later by merged with the Pennsylvania State Police.
  5. ^ On August 25, 1922, Adams bestowed upon the Deputy Superintendent the rank of Major;[19] (This was the initial use of that rank in the Department's history)
  6. ^ a b c d Resigned.
  7. ^ Following the merger of the state police and highway patrol on June 29, 1937, the position of superintendent was combined and renamed "Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Motor Police."
  8. ^ Following the merger of the two departments, the new commissioner appointed himself "Colonel," and the deputy commissioner as "Lieutenant Colonel."
  9. ^ a b Continued service under the renamed department.
  10. ^ On April 28, 1943, Act 52 renamed the department to the Pennsylvania State Police, and as a result the commissioner became known as the "Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police."
  11. ^ Dunn held no paramilitary rank and did not wear a uniform while serving as Commissioner.
  12. ^ a b Died in office.
  13. ^ a b c d Confirmed by the senate.
  14. ^ a b Brown failed to be confirmed by the state senate and after a brief standoff between the senate and the newly-elected governor, Tom Wolf, his nomination was revoked and Wolf instead nominated Tyree Blocker for commissioner. During this time, Brown stayed on as acting commissioner.
  15. ^ Paris was confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on March 9, 2023. Officially, his term is set to expire on January 19, 2027.
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