Pennsylvania State Police

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Pennsylvania State Police
Abbreviation PSP
220x140px
Patch of the Pennsylvania State Police
Agency overview
Formed May 2, 1905; 119 years ago (1905-05-02)
Preceding agencies
  • State Police (1905–1937)
    State Highway Patrol (1923–1937)
  • Pennsylvania Motor Police (1937–1943)
Legal personality Governmental: Government agency
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction* Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA
PA - State Police Troops.png
Pennsylvania State Police Troops
Size 46,055
Population 12,787,209 (2014 est.)[1]
General nature
Operational structure
Headquarters Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Troopers 4,719 (as of 2015) [2]
Civilians 1,850 (as of 2015) [2]
Agency executive Colonel Tyree C. Blocker [3], Acting Commissioner
Areas 3
Troops 16
Facilities
Stations 90
Helicopters 7 Bell Jet Rangers
Airplanes 5 "High Wings"
Website
Pennsylvania State Police website
Footnotes
* Divisional agency: Division of the country, over which the agency has usual operational jurisdiction.

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, in response to the 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 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". As of 2015, it has 4,719 state troopers and more than 1,850 civilian support staff.[5] The state police academy is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The current acting commissioner is Colonel Tyree C. Blocker, nominated by Governor Tom Wolf, and is pending confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.[3] Colonel Blocker replaced Marcus Brown who failed to secure confirmation by the State's legislature, and recently resigned.[6]

Duties

The PSP's duties include patrolling all state and federal highways across Pennsylvania, enforcing the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, overseeing the state's automobile inspection program, enforcing the state's commercial vehicle safety regulations, and providing the full range of police protection for municipalities without full-time local police departments. The PSP patrols more than half of the state's 2,565 municipalities and the bulk of its rural areas, as the sheriffs in Pennsylvania have traditionally performed their court related services and only over the last several decades have begun to exercise their common law authority to enforce state law.

The PSP provides primary service for 27% of the Commonwealth's population, accounting for over 60% of the Commonwealth municipalities. This constitutes 85% of the Commonwealth's land area and 66% of the Commonwealth's highways. This is accomplished with only 19% of the police officers in the Commonwealth.[7][8]

The PSP's Bureau of Forensic Services provides crime lab services for criminal investigations. A special unit of the PSP act as bodyguards for the Governor of Pennsylvania and certain other state officials. The PSP also temporarily patrolled the state's 28 airports and five nuclear power plants in the months following the September 11 attacks. However, the PSP still conducts security checks of all of the Delaware River Bridges along the PA/NJ border, in agreement with the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

The PSP administers the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS), which is responsible for providing background checks in firearms purchases statewide. The PSP are embroiled in a controversy concerning the maintaining of a firearms "registry" contrary to both Federal and State laws.[who?] The issue is being addressed in the courts and the legislature.[citation needed]

The PSP also administers the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) background-check database and the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System.

The Call of Honor

All enlisted members of the Pennsylvania State Police are required to memorize the Pennsylvania State Police Call of Honor as listed below:

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I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a soldier of the law.

To me is entrusted the honor of the force

I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty.

It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition.

It is also my duty to be of service to anyone who may be in danger or distress, and at all times so conduct myself that the honor of the force may be upheld.

Camp Cadet

Camp Cadet is a summer camp for Pennsylvania's boys and girls typically between the ages of 12 to 15 (each camp has its own eligibility requirements) who are interested in law enforcement. The camp is held at various locations throughout the State and staffed by Troopers, local police officers and many other volunteers. The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel.[9] Camp Cadet is solely funded through voluntary contributions and fund raisers. The PSP does not pay for this, and some (but not all) camps charge a fee for cadets to participate.

Uniform and rank structure

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

The current PSP uniform for troopers, corporals, and sergeants consist 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. PSP is 1 of only 5 state police forces that do not wear a badge on the uniform shirt. The original PSP uniform was molded from 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 1" black stripe on the leg. PSP shoes and/or boots are also black in color.

The PSP duty belt is Gould & Goodrich 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.

Also, as an optional part of the winter uniform, troopers may wear a black "woolly-pully" commando sweater over their uniform shirts, along with a vinyl/fur winter hat.

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

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 having 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, United States 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
  • Lt. Colonel: three service stripes
  • Colonel: four service stripes

Ranks, insignia, and descriptions

Title Insignia Additional Information
Colonel
US-O6 insignia.svg
 Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police
Lieutenant Colonel
US-O5 insignia.svg
 Second in Command of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Major
US-O4 insignia.svg
 Commander of an Area, such as Area III, encompassing several Troops.
Captain
US-O3 insignia.svg
 Troop Commander, such as Troop B, encompassing several Stations.
Lieutenant
US-O2 insignia.svg
 Station Commander, such as Station 1 (located in Troop B of Area III)
Sergeant
PSP - Sergeant.jpg
 Station Commander, Supervisor of a unit, section, or specialty position.
Corporal
PSP - Corporal.jpg
 Supervisor of Troopers, oversee the patrol's daily calls for service.
Trooper First Class
PSP - Trooper 1C.jpg
 This is a longevity promotion for Troopers with 12 years of service.
Trooper
Blank.jpg
 Upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of Trooper.
State Police Cadet
Blank.jpg
 A Commonwealth employee who is enrolled in but has not yet graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Facilities

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

Troops

  • Troop A, Area III - Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Westmoreland Counties; Troop HQ - Greensburg
  • Troop B, Area III - Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington Counties; Troop HQ - Washington
  • Troop C, Area III - Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean Counties; Troop HQ - Punxsutawney
  • Troop D, Area III - Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer Counties; Troop HQ - Butler
  • Troop E, Area III - Crawford, Erie, Venango, Warren Counties; Troop HQ - Lawrence Park
  • Troop F, Area II - Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union Counties; Troop HQ - Montoursville
  • Troop G, Area II - Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin Counties; Troop HQ - Hollidaysburg
  • Troop H, Area II - Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry, York Counties; Troop and Department HQ - Harrisburg
  • Troop J, Area II - Chester, Lancaster Counties; Troop HQ - Lancaster
  • Troop K, Area I - Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia Counties; Troop HQ - Philadelphia
  • Troop L, Area II - Berks, Lebanon, Schuylkill Counties; Troop HQ - Reading
  • Troop M, Area I - Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton Counties; Troop HQ - Bethlehem
  • Troop N, Area I - Carbon, Columbia, Lower Luzerne, Monroe Counties; Troop HQ - Hazleton
  • Troop P, Area I - Bradford, Upper Luzerne, Sullivan, Wyoming Counties; Troop HQ - Wyoming
  • Troop R, Area I - Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne Counties; Troop HQ - Dunmore
  • Troop T - Turnpike; Troop HQ - Penna. Turnpike Commission HQ, Highspire
  • Troop S - Disbanded. Patrolled State Highways. Troopers in this Troop migrated into the local stations.[10]

(*) - 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.[11] This is by no means a complete list, merely a sampling of the breakdown.

Dispatching facilities[12]

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, as of July 30, 2012 The Pennsylvania State Police has 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, PCO'S (Police Communication Operators), were moved to CDC'S 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 also 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% [13]

Ethnicity

  • White: 82%
  • African American/Black: 9%
  • Hispanic: 2%
  • Asian: 1%
  • Native American 0%[citation needed]

Vehicles

A Ford Expedition used by the Pennsylvania State Police.

The department currently operates a mixed fleet of vehicles including the new law enforcement specific Ford Police Interceptor sedan and SUV, Crown Victorias, Ford F150s, Chevrolet Impalas, Jeep Cherokees, Chevrolet Tahoes, Ford Expeditions, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Magnums, and Chevrolet vans. The PSP also owns and operates numerous helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.[14] The PSP operates watercraft for the Delaware River in the Philadelphia area.[15]

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 recently adopted the SIG Sauer [16][17] 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.[18] The SIG P227 (.45 ACP) will eventually replace all of the department's Glock 21 Gen4 (.45 ACP) pistols which were acquired in 2013.[19] 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 AR-15, 12-gauge shotguns (including the Remington 870 pump), and gas grenade launcher.[20]

The current less-lethal weapons the PSP is utilizing consists of Taser technology,[21] 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.[22]

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.[23]

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.

Name Rank Badge/Serial

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)

Superintendents and Commissioners since 1905

The following is a chronological listings of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police:[24]

Name Tenure 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 lead 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
—
Schafer, John K.
1985-1987
—
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 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.[10]
  • 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]

In March 2011, Trooper Barry R. Tangert Jr. was sentenced to 14 months supervised probation for interfering with a child abuse investigation.[33]

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.[34]

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.[35]

In popular culture

  • An undercover PSP officer played by Sarah Jessica Parker co-stars with Bruce Willis playing a Pittsburgh Police River Rescue Squad officer in the 1993 movie Striking Distance.
  • The PSP were featured in the CSI: NY episode "Redemption" as well as the Law & Order season 9 episode 10 titled "Hate".
  • Featured in the movie For Richer or Poorer.
  • Stephen King's novel From a Buick 8 features Troop D in a fictional town named Statler.
  • The PSP were featured in the movie "Unstoppable" starring Denzel Washington where a runaway train passes through numerous towns and townships within the state of Pennsylvania.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-nominates-state-police-commissioner/
  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. ↑ http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-p-pa-wolf-new-state-police-commissioner-2-20150803-story.html
  7. ↑ http://psta.org/images/about_map.gif
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Pennsylvania: Feds bullying over state police test; by the Associated Press, 25 November 2014
  14. ↑ http://www.psp.pa.gov/law-enforcement-services/Pages/Aviation.aspx#.VOsTFUYo6Uk
  15. ↑ http://www.patrooper.com/template/gallery_images/2/9_800x568.jpg?1394786553
  16. ↑ P227 (specifically the SIG Sauer P227R (rail), .45 ACP, Nitron, SLITE (SIGLITE Night Sights), DA/SA)
  17. ↑ http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p227-nitron.aspx SIG Sauer, Catalog Product Details, P227 Nitron
  18. ↑ http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=6100029421
  19. ↑ http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/filedownload.aspx?file=6100025067/solicitation_3.pdf
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ PA State Police Remains Largest Accredited Police Agency in the World PR Newswire. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' 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. ↑ State trooper gets probation, will lose job for interfering with Cumberland County investigation, by DAN MILLER, 29 March 2011, The Patriot-News
  34. ↑ Commander of York County state police barracks retires after DUI charge, by MIKE ARGENTO, 6 January 2012, Daily Record/Sunday News
  35. ↑ Ex-Trooper get jail time for fatal Upper Dublin Crash, by Margret Gibbons, 4 March 2014, The Intelligencer

External links

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