Hershey, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) officially unveiled its newly constructed, state-of-the-art horse stable today at the PSP Academy in Hershey, marking the first completed structure in a comprehensive project to upgrade and modernize the Academy’s 65-year-old training facilities.
“The unveiling of our new stable marks an important milestone in updating the Academy’s facilities," said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. "This investment not only enhances the care and safety of our horses, but also strengthens the training environment for our Mounted Unit and cadets. It reflects our commitment to preserving tradition while preparing for the future of law enforcement in Pennsylvania."
The 21,000-square-foot stable accommodates up to 30 horses in a modern, well-designed environment. Each spacious stall offers ample room for horses to turn, lie down, and move comfortably, promoting their safety and well-being. The horses graze across more than 50 acres of newly developed pasture—much of it visible to travelers on East Hersheypark Drive—offering a scenic reminder of PSP’s proud equestrian tradition.
The horses of PSP’s Tactical Mounted Section serve an essential role in maintaining safety and order at major sporting events and large concerts. The elevated vantage point of mounted troopers enhances their ability to oversee and manage large crowds. In 2025, the section was requested 239 times, including for Penn State home football games and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory celebration, and will have completed 159 details by January 1, 2026. Beyond operational duties, the horses are a cherished presence at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and at various community events, where they help foster positive relationships with the public.
Today’s event celebrated significant progress in a $387.8 million construction project that began in December 2023. Other buildings are scheduled for completion in 2026, including the five‑story Marquee Building, which will house the Academy’s classrooms, cafeteria, administrative offices, and 300 individual cadet dormitories. PSP plans to move into the Marquee Building next fall.
The new Academy will be critical to continuing the Shapiro Administration’s work to build safer communities and to ensure law enforcement is well-trained, well-staffed, well-funded, and well-equipped. The 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four cadet classes. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes to train over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and obtained funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth. To date, more than 550 cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
Additional facilities taking shape on the 146-acre Academy campus include a physical education facility, new headquarters for the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, and multiple tactical training villages for simulating high-risk incidents such as active-shooter and hostage situations.
The Academy has remained operational throughout the entire construction project, which totals 366,000 square feet of new buildings, although several outdated structures were demolished during site preparation. PSP has trained cadets at the current Academy since 1960.
Photos and video from today’s event will be available at pacast.com.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.