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Fifty-nine new troopers completed 28 weeks of rigorous training and are beginning to
serve communities across Pennsylvania — marking the third class to graduate since
Governor Shapiro removed the college-credit requirement for cadet applicants.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, the Administration has secured funding to help
hire over 800 new Pennsylvania State Police troopers and nearly 700 municipal law
enforcement officers
Governor Shapiro has delivered real results in his first two years in office – and the
Governor and his entire Administration are laser focused on keeping Pennsylvania
communities safe.
Manheim, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined Pennsylvania State Police
(PSP) Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris to celebrate the graduation of
the 173rd Cadet Class of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy — one of the
nation’s most rigorous and respected law enforcement training programs. Fifty-nine new
troopers completed 28 weeks of comprehensive training and will now be assigned to
PSP stations across the Commonwealth, where they will begin serving their
communities.
“Policing is a noble profession — and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State
Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities,”
said Governor Shapiro. “Today, these cadets join their ranks after completing one of
the most challenging and rigorous law enforcement training programs in the nation. You
are the best of us, and now you will carry the responsibility of keeping Pennsylvanians
safe. Our work doesn’t stop here — we will continue to invest in our State Police,
support our communities, and ensure all Pennsylvanians feel safe in their
neighborhoods. As your Governor, I want you to know I’ve got your back.”
“Today is the result of months of hard work, determination, bravery, and selflessness,”
said Colonel Paris. “I am proud to call members of the 173rd Cadet Class troopers,
and I have full confidence that they will succeed in answering the call to serve, protect,
and uphold the law throughout our great Commonwealth.”
Investments in Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Building Safer Communities
Across Pennsylvania
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made historic investments in
the Pennsylvania State Police — removing outdated barriers to service, expanding
recruitment, and providing critical resources to keep communities safe, including:
• Eliminating Barriers to Serve: In 2023, the Governor removed the 60-collegecredit requirement for cadet applicants, significantly expanding the pool of
qualified candidates. Applications to the Academy have since increased by 258
percent.
• Hiring More Troopers: The Shapiro Administration has funded eight cadet
classes to train over 800 new State Troopers and secured funding to help
departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across
Pennsylvania. To date, more than 500 cadets have graduated and joined the
ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
• Investing in Facilities: Nearly $400 million has been secured for the
construction of a new state-of-the-art PSP Academy. The multi-phase project
includes a new marquee building with classrooms, dormitories, and training
facilities, as well as a new indoor range and physical education facility. The
project is expected to be completed in phases, with part of the facility opening in
October 2026 and full completion expected in 2028.
• Enhancing Law Enforcement Resources: The Administration is expanding the
use of body-worn cameras across 67 counties to improve transparency and
accountability.
Since Governor Shapiro took office, gun violence is down 42 percent and gun deaths
by firearm are down 38 percent across Pennsylvania. In 2024 alone, violent crime
declined nearly 12 percent compared to 2022. The Governor’s public safety strategy
pairs strong law enforcement with targeted community investments to reduce violence
and support young people, including:
• Violence Intervention and Prevention: $85 million in Violence Intervention
and Prevention (VIP) grants awarded to over 130 projects statewide
• After-School Learning and Violence Reduction: $11.5 million to launch
the Building Opportunity through Out of School Time
(BOOST) program, supporting 46 programs in its first year.
• Nonprofit Security: $5 million increase in funding to secure places of worship
and community centers.
• Reducing Gun Violence: Re-established the Pennsylvania Office of Gun
Violence Prevention and seized $392.7 million worth of illegal drugs, including
heroin and fentanyl.
• Supporting First Responders: $60 million in new funding for county 911
services and increased ambulance mileage reimbursements; enacted laws
allowing workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 proposed budget builds on this momentum with key
investments:
• $14.5 million for four additional PSP cadet classes, supporting the training of
432 new State Troopers beginning in 2025–26
• Elimination of the statutory cap that limits the number of troopers on the
streets — allowing for increased patrol visibility, faster response times, and a
proactive approach in communities
• A $10 million increase for the VIP program, bringing total funding to $55 million
• A $10 million increase for the BOOST program, expanding after-school learning
and violence prevention opportunities
With today’s graduation, Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring
these new troopers — and every cadet class that follows — have the training,
resources, and support they need to protect Pennsylvanians and serve with honor.
Public safety has been a top priority for the Shapiro Administration — ensuring
communities across the Commonwealth are safer, stronger, and better equipped for the
future.
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