Governor Josh Shapiro joined Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris on Friday to celebrate the graduation of the 173rd Cadet Class of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, marking the start of service for 59 new troopers across the Commonwealth.
The cadets completed 28 weeks of rigorous training at what is considered one of the nation’s most respected law enforcement academies. They will now be assigned to stations statewide, where they begin the work of protecting communities.
Shapiro called policing a “noble profession” and told graduates he would continue to invest in the State Police to ensure they have the resources to succeed. Colonel Paris praised the new troopers for their determination and readiness to answer the call of service.
Since taking office, Shapiro has made public safety a centerpiece of his administration. In 2023, he eliminated the 60-college-credit requirement for cadet applicants, a move that widened the pool of qualified candidates and drove a 258 percent surge in applications. His administration has funded eight cadet classes, resulting in more than 500 graduates to date, and committed nearly \$400 million to build a new, state-of-the-art police academy, scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2026.
The Governor has also expanded the use of body-worn cameras across all 67 counties and strengthened support for municipal police recruitment and retention. Those efforts, he said, are paying off: gun violence in Pennsylvania has dropped by 42 percent since he took office, while violent crime fell nearly 12 percent in 2024 compared to 2022.
Shapiro’s strategy combines stronger law enforcement with targeted community investments. His administration has awarded \$85 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants, launched a statewide after-school initiative to keep young people engaged, and increased nonprofit security funding for places of worship and community centers.
Looking ahead, the Governor’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes funding for four additional cadet classes to train 432 new troopers, the removal of limits on trooper staffing, and expanded investments in both violence prevention and after-school programs.
Source: pa.gov