Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will use funding in the new state budget to strengthen staffing, modernize technology, and support its statewide public-safety operations, ensuring troopers have the resources needed to respond quickly and effectively in communities across the Commonwealth. Over half of Pennsylvania’s 2,500 municipalities have no police department, and of those that do have their own police department, 72 percent have ten or fewer full-time officers. The budget signed by Governor Shapiro this year will increase funding to ensure PSP can continue to offer support in areas that need it most—ensuring Pennsylvanians can be safe and feel safe in their communities.
“Our focus is firmly on safeguarding the public and ensuring that every community within the Commonwealth receives the support it requires during critical times,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “These investments are crucial in providing our members with the tools and resources needed to respond promptly and effectively to urgent situations, ultimately enhancing our collective resilience.”
Since Governor Shapiro took office, violent crime is down across much of Pennsylvania. According to UCR data, homicides have declined by 34 percent since 2022. Law enforcement is one part of that success, and the other is that the Shapiro Administration has made meaningful investments in violence prevention efforts – programs that are proven to work. This budget continues that work to create safer communities and ensure law enforcement and first responders have the tools and personnel to succeed.
The enacted FY 2025-26 budget:
- Raises PSP’s General Government Operations by $69.3 million, an increase of 6.5%, which strengthens support for personnel, training, recruitment, administrative operations, and statewide coverage.
- Increases spending on information technology, up to $27 million, to ensure PSP is well-equipped with modern tools to respond to modern issues like cybersecurity threats.
- Will help prevent crashes and save lives by investing $15 million to support traffic enforcement on Pennsylvania’s roadways.
- Provides funding for four cadet classes. Since he took office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes to train over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and secured funding to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth.
- Supports PSP’s partnership with local law enforcement by continuing to provide annual grants for municipal police training.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.