Pennsylvania State Police

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Pennsylvania State Police
AbbreviationPSP
Agency overview
FormedMay 2, 1905; 119 years ago (1905-05-02)
Preceding agencies
  • Pennsylvania Constabulary State Police (1905–1937)
    State Highway Patrol (1923–1937)
  • Pennsylvania Motor Police (1937–1943)
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionPennsylvania, USA
Pennsylvania State Police Troops
Size46,055 sq mi
Population12,787,209 (2014 est.)[1]
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Troopers4,223 (as of 2016)[2]
Civilians1,850 (as of 2015)[2]
Agency executive
Areas4
Troops16
Facilities
Stations90
Helicopters7 Bell Jet Rangers
Airplanes5 "High Wings"
Website
Pennsylvania State Police website

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is the state police force of Pennsylvania, responsible for statewide law enforcement. It was founded in 1905 by order of Governor Samuel Pennypacker, by signing senate bill 278 on May 2. The bill was signed in response to the Great Anthracite Strike of 1902, private police forces used by mine and mill owners to stop worker strikes (the Coal and Iron Police) and the inability or refusal of local police or sheriffs offices to enforce the law. The strike lasted from May 15, 1902 to October 23, 1902 and ended with the help of Theodore Roosevelt the sitting president of the time. The department became the first uniformed police organization of its kind in the United States and a model for other state police agencies throughout the nation.[4] PSP enlisted members are referred to as "troopers". Up until 1963 married men were not allowed to apply to state police, and active trooper had to seek permission from their superior officer to get married. In 1971 the first female applicant to the state police academy was accepted as a cadet and graduated in 1972. As of October 2016, the state police have 4,233 state troopers, 5% of them being women, and more than 1,850 civilian support staff.[5] The state police academy is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The current commissioner is Colonel Tyree C. Blocker, nominated by Governor Tom Wolf, and was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate.[3] Colonel Blocker replaced Marcus Brown who failed to secure confirmation by the State's legislature, and recently resigned as commissioner.[6] After resigning, former Colonel Brown was named to Governor Wolf's state office of Homeland Security as the new director. Some say Colonel Brown had trouble receiving the necessary votes for nomination due to the majority of his history and experience coming from Maryland and the fact that Brown was never employed as a State Trooper. There was also unrest among current and retired PA State Troopers due to the fact that Brown wore the PSP uniform but had never gone through the PA State Police Academy. Colonel Brown lost the senate vote 28 to 22.

Pennsylvania State Police Academy

In 1924 a State Police training academy was built in Dauphin County, Hershey, PA on Cocoa Avenue. The site was actually located in the Hershey Inn and it remained at this location until 1960 when it was moved to175 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033. The current location is fitted with Kennels and Stables and located only a few miles from the original site. Once accepted into the State Police Academy recruits endure a rigorous 27 week training period. Recruits live at the academy and are only permitted to go home on certain designated weekends. Recruits 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.[7]

Applicant Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the date the application is complete.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and cannot have reached their 40th birthday prior to or on the date of appointment as a State Police Cadet.
  • US Citizenship
  • Valid Drivers License
  • Be PA resident at the time of graduation.

Education Requirement

  • Highschool Diploma or GED
  • Associates degree or a 60 hour credit logged from credited university or college

Hiring Process

  • Candidates will be subjected to multiple physical fitness screenings
  • Medical Evaluations
  • Psychological testing, MMPI-2 a computer administered personality assessment
  • Background Investigation
  • Panel Interview
  • Written Test

[8]

Facilities

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

Pennsylvania State Police Troops

Troop A, Area II

- Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Westmoreland Counties; Troop HQ - Greensburg

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant
  • Staff Service Section Commander: Lieutenant

Troop B, Area I

- Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington Counties; Troop HQ - Washington

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain David J. Heckman
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Eric V. Erhardt
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant John C. Kean
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Rachel E. Graham

Troop C, Area I

- Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean Counties; Troop HQ - Punxsutawney

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Christopher J. Neal
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Gregory S. Kunselman
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Kevin M. Doverspike

Troop D, Area I

- Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer Counties; Troop HQ - Butler

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Steve J. Ignatz
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Eric S. Hermick
  • Staff Services Section, Commander: Lieutenant Jamie D. Clark
  • Station Commander, Butler: Sergeant Rachel E. Graham
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Chris D. Yanoff

Troop E, Area I

- Crawford, Erie, Venango, Warren Counties; Troop HQ - Lawrence Park

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain James B. Basinger
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Kirk R. Reese
  • Crime Section Commander: Lieutenant Wayne C. Kline
  • Staff Section Commander: Lieutenant Carl P. Medsger

Troop F, Area III

- Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union Counties; Troop HQ - Montoursville

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Margaret D. Dropinski
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Ryan R. Maxwell
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Sherman D. Shadle
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Walter J. Witkowski

Troop G, Area II

- Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin Counties; Troop HQ - Hollidaysburg

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain David L. Cain
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Troy H. Park
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant James E. Emigh
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Christopher L. Storm

Troop H, Area II

- Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry, York Counties; Troop and *Department HQ - Harrisburg

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Adam R. Kosheba
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Robert F. Tobias
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Linette G. Quinn
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Frederick L. Hess

Troop J, Area IV

- Chester, Lancaster Counties; Troop HQ - Lancaster

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Maurice A. Tomlinson
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Michael C. Witmer
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Brandon J. Daniels
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant William J. Donahue

Troop K, Area IV

- Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia Counties; Troop HQ - Philadelphia

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Bruce W. Williams
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Bradley J. Getz
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant James B. Kemm
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lt. Michelle N. Swantner

Troop L, Area IV

- Berks, Lebanon, Schuylkill Counties; Troop HQ - Reading

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Kristal M. Turner-Childs
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Robert C. Wagner
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Christopher Blugis
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Vincent K. D'Angelo

Troop M, Area IV

- Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton Counties; Troop HQ - Bethlehem

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Brian S. Tobin
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Kreg S. Rodrigues
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Joseph F. Sokolofski
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Acting Sgt. Kevin P. Smith

Troop N, Area III

- Carbon, Columbia, Lower Luzerne, Monroe Counties; Troop HQ - Hazleton

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain David T. Dougalas
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant William W. Cawley
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Jason G. Reznick
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant

Troop P, Area III

- Bradford, Upper Luzerne, Sullivan, Wyoming Counties; Troop HQ - Wyoming

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain James E. Degnan
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Gary T. Vogue
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Richard L. Krawetz
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Gary L. Thomas

Troop R, Area III

- Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne Counties; Troop HQ - Dunmore

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Christopher L. Paris
  • Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Charles G. Sands
  • Criminal Investigation Section Commander: Lieutenant Peter P. Gutowski
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Brian J. Cawley

Troop T

- Turnpike; Troop HQ - Penna. Turnpike Commission HQ, Highspire

Command Staff

  • Commanding Officer: Captain Paul S. Gustaitis
  • Eastern Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Gary L. Dance Jr.
  • Central Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Joseph A. Loughran
  • Western Patrol Section Commander: Lieutenant Richard A. Bosch Jr.
  • Staff Services Section Commander: Lieutenant Edward C. Murphy

Troop S - Disbanded

- Patrolled State Highways. Troopers in this Troop migrated into the local

stations.[9]

(*) - The Pennsylvania State Police provides highway patrol services within Philadelphia County; the Troop K Headquarters is located on Belmont Avenue near Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Police Department Highway Patrol transferred patrol of interstate highways over to the Pennsylvania State Police in early 2008.

Barracks listing by county

PSP bureaus and offices

The PSP also has many bureaus and subdivisions within the organization.[10] This is by no means a complete list, merely a sampling of the breakdown.

Dispatching facilities[11]

The Pennsylvania State Police was in the process of consolidating dispatch functions from the individual stations to one of five "Consolidated Dispatch Centers" (CDC). However, on July 30, 2012 The Pennsylvania State Police disbanded the CDCs and moved the dispatching operations back to the individual stations. Only two CDCs were operational - Harrisburg and Norristown. The stated reason for closing the operations at the CDCs, according to previous statements made by State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan before the Senate budget hearings, was to put more troopers back on the street. It is mandated that all PSP stations be manned on site 24/7 for emergencies and a point of refuge for people in distress. This became a problem when dispatchers, PCOs (Police Communication Operators), were moved to CDCs and the position of "Greeters" was created adding additional costs and manpower issues. When greeters were unavailable, troopers were assigned this task. Even non-CDC stations had a shortage of PCOs, in part caused by the number of PCOs required for minimum staffing at a CDC, causing troopers to regularly work as dispatchers at these stations.

Harrisburg

The Harrisburg CDC went operational in June 2004. It covered the Carlisle, Harrisburg, and Lykens stations in Troop H and the Ephrata and Lancaster Stations in Troop J. With the assumption of responsibility for the areas previously covered by the Philadelphia Highway Patrol, the Harrisburg CDC also covered the Reading and Hamburg Stations from Troop L. The Harrisburg CDC would have become the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all PSP stations in Troops H, J, and L.

Norristown

The Norristown CDC went operational in November 2004. It covered the Philadelphia and Skippack stations in Troop K. The Norristown CDC would have become the PSAP for all PSP stations in Troops K, and M.

Other CDCs

The remaining three CDCs were to be located in Greensburg, Clarion, and Pittston. The Greensburg CDC would have covered Troops A, B, and G; the Clarion CDC would have covered Troops C, D, and E; the Pittston CDC would have covered Troops F, N, P, and R. Troop T stations are dispatched by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission at its Highspire headquarters.

Demographics

Gender

  • Male: 95%
  • Female: 5% [12]

Ethnicity

  • White: 81%
  • African American/Black: 9%
  • Hispanic: 5%
  • Asian: <1%
  • Native American <1%[citation needed]

Vehicles

The department currently operates a mixed fleet of vehicles including the new law enforcement specific Ford Police Interceptor sedan and SUV, Crown Victorias, Ford Expeditions and Dodge Chargers which are only used by PA Turn Pike Troopers.The PSP also owns and operates numerous helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.[13] The PSP operates watercraft for the Delaware River in the Philadelphia area and Lake Erie. [14]

Aviation

The PSP Aviation Section consists of thirty-five trooper pilots and three full-time mechanics, using eight helicopters and six airplanes statewide. These aircraft are stationed in seven aviation patrol units (APU) whose missions including, but not limited to: conducting searches and rescues; assisting in vehicle pursuits; conducting criminal surveillances; participating in marijuana eradication efforts; crime and traffic incident scene photography; transports; conducting emergency management and homeland security missions providing an aerial platform for incident command and control; and attending events promoting law enforcement efforts. The Aviation Section also provides air support to all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies within Pennsylvania and assists during non-emergency situations such as major civic and sporting events.[citation needed]

Weapons

The department adopted the SIG Sauer P227 [15][16] semiautomatic pistol chambered in .45 Auto as their new service pistol. It holds 10+1 rounds. PSP submitted a solicitation for bids on May 9, 2014 for 150 such firearms for the next PSP academy cadet class to train with and keep as their issue duty sidearm.[17] The SIG P227 (.45 ACP) will eventually replace all of the department's Glock 21 Gen4 (.45 ACP) pistols which were acquired in 2013.[18] Those Glocks had replaced by trade-in 4,800 of the department's Glock 37 (.45 GAP caliber) handguns, which had replaced their Beretta 96D (.40 S&W) double-action-only (DAO) handguns back in 2007/2008.

Other firearms include the Colt AR-15 (including the LE6920 AND LE6940), 12-gauge shotguns (including the Remington 870 pump), and gas grenade launcher.[19]

The current less-lethal weapons the PSP is utilizing consists of Taser technology,[20] Pepper spray (OC), and expandable ASP straight baton.

Accreditation

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.[21]

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.[22]

Members killed in the line of duty

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

Alexander Merchant Commander 82357079

Number

Tenure End of Watch Age Cause of Death Notes
Johnn 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
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, 140 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 Stuck 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
David Kedra Trooper 12115 2 years, 3 months September 30, 2014 26 Gunfire (Accidental)
Landon Weaver Trooper — 1 year, 16 days December 30, 2016 23 Gunfire

Superintendents and Commissioners since 1905

The following is a chronological listings of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police:[23]

Alex merchant First Commissioner Notes
Groome, John C. 1905-1920 First Commissioner, appointed by Governor Pennypacker
Adams, Lynn G. 1920-1937 —
Foote, Percy W. 1937-1939 —
Adams, Lynn G. 1939-1943 —
Wilhelm, Cecil M. 1943-1955 —
Henry, E.J. 1955-1959 —
McCartney, Frank G. 1959-1963 —
Purdy, E. Wilson 1963-1966 —
Rittelman, Paul A. 1966-1967 —
McKetta, Frank 1967-1971 Appointed by Governor Shafer, previously led the Federal Protective Service
Urella, Rocco 1971-1973 —
Barger, James 1973-1977 —
Chylak, Paul 1977-1979 —
Dunn, Daniel 1979-1984 —
Laffey, Cyril 1984 —
Dellarciprete, Nicholas 1984-1985 —
Cochran, Jay, Jr.[24] 1985-1987 —
Schafer, John K. 1987-1987 —
Sharpe, Ronald 1987-1991 —
Walp, Glenn 1991-1996 —
Evanko, Paul 1996-2003 Appointed by Governors Ridge and Schweiker
Miller, Jeffrey B. 2003-2008 Promoted from MAJ, appointed by Governor Rendell
Pawlowski, Frank 2008-2011 Promoted from LTC, appointed by Governor Rendell
Noonan, Frank 2011-2014 Former FBI Agent, appointed by Governor Corbett
Brown, Marcus 2014–2015 Former Superintendent, Maryland State Police
Blocker, Tyree C. 2015–present Former PSP Major, appointed by Governor Wolf

Traditions

  • 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."[citation needed] 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.[9]
  • On October 1, 1971, the first female applicant was accepted as a cadet in the Pennsylvania State Police. The academy class, containing the first female troopers, graduated on July 7, 1972.[25]
  • 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.[26]

Misconduct

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.[27][28]

2007

In September, 2007, Trooper Kevin Foley was arrested for the murder of a dentist, Dr. Yelenic, in Blairsville, PA. [29]

2008

In July, 2008, Trooper Kevin Coleman was charged with protecting a prostitution ring based out of the Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[30]

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.[31]

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.[32]

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.[33]

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.[34]

In popular culture

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pennsylvania State Police.

References

  1. ^ "2014 Population Estimates". census.gov.
  2. ^ a b "Home".
  3. ^ a b "Wolf Nominates Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner". 3 August 2015.
  4. ^ History of the Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania State Police - Historical, Educational and Memorial Center. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  5. ^ About the Pennsylvania State Police Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  6. ^ Esack, Steve. "Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf's new pick to lead state police continues his diversity commitment".
  7. ^ "PA Trooper".
  8. ^ "How to Become a Police Officer in Pennsylvania".
  9. ^ a b The Pennsylvania State Police (April 2003), PSP: PSP History 1900 to 1940, retrieved 2008-12-25
  10. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (2008), PSP Bureau and Office Website Listing, retrieved 2008-12-27
  11. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (2008), State Police Unveils High-Tech Dispatch Center, retrieved 2008-12-27
  12. ^ Pennsylvania: Feds bullying over state police test; by the Associated Press, 25 November 2014
  13. ^ "Aviation".
  14. ^ http://www.patrooper.com/template/gallery_images/2/9_800x568.jpg?1394786553
  15. ^ P227 (specifically the SIG Sauer P227R (rail), .45 ACP, Nitron, SLITE (SIGLITE Night Sights), DA/SA)
  16. ^ http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p227-nitron.aspx SIG Sauer, Catalog Product Details, P227 Nitron
  17. ^ "PA - eMarketplace".
  18. ^ http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/filedownload.aspx?file=6100025067/solicitation_3.pdf
  19. ^ NRA Staff. "Pennsylvania State Police Select Remington 870". American Rifleman. Retrieved 26 December 2012.
  20. ^ "Home".
  21. ^ PA State Police Remains Largest Accredited Police Agency in the World PR Newswire. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  22. ^ "Home".
  23. ^ Pennsylvania State Police Leadership, Superintendents and Commissioners since 1905, retrieved 2011-03-05
  24. ^ "PSP-HEMC: Pennsylvania State Police Leadership".
  25. ^ The Pennsylvania Highway Patrol (April 2004), PSP: PSP History 1941 to Present, retrieved 2008-12-25
  26. ^ "The page 'faq.html' was not found".
  27. ^ 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
  28. ^ 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
  29. ^ Trooper arrested in dentist's killing, by Jim McKinnon, 28 September 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  30. ^ Officer 2nd charged in prostitution inquiry , by Pete Shellem, 4 July 2008 Patriot News
  31. ^ FBI press release “Former Pennsylvania State Trooper Convicted” dated 16 May 2009
  32. ^ What the .... It's not illegal to swear at a state police officer, bythe Associated Press, January 04, 2011
  33. ^ Commander of York County state police barracks retires after DUI charge, by MIKE ARGENTO, 6 January 2012, Daily Record/Sunday News
  34. ^ Ex-Trooper get jail time for fatal Upper Dublin Crash, by Margret Gibbons, 4 March 2014, The Intelligencer

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