Pennsylvania State Police

About the Pennsylvania State Police

For nearly a century, the Pennsylvania State Police has stood as a beacon of law enforcement excellence, serving and protecting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Our organization represents one of the most respected state police agencies in the United States, embodying a tradition of service that dates back to our founding in 1905. Today, we continue to uphold the highest standards of police work while adapting to meet the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement.

Located at 600 Kenhorst Blvd in Reading, Pennsylvania, our facility serves as a critical operational hub within our extensive statewide network. This location represents our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in every corner of the Commonwealth, ensuring that citizens in both urban and rural areas have access to professional law enforcement services. Our Reading location is strategically positioned to serve Berks County and surrounding areas, providing rapid response capabilities and comprehensive police services to the communities we protect.

Our Mission and Values

The Pennsylvania State Police operates under a clear mission: to serve with integrity, respect, fairness, and a devotion to ensuring public safety. We are committed to protecting life and property, preventing crime, enforcing the law with impartiality, and maintaining order while respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. Our core values guide every action we take and every decision we make in our daily operations.

Integrity stands at the foundation of everything we do. Our troopers and civilian personnel maintain the highest ethical standards, conducting themselves with honesty and accountability in all professional interactions. We understand that public trust is earned through consistent, transparent, and ethical behavior, and we work tirelessly to maintain that trust through our actions and decisions.

Respect forms another cornerstone of our organization. We treat all individuals with dignity and courtesy, regardless of their background, circumstances, or the nature of our interaction with them. This respect extends to our fellow officers, the communities we serve, and the legal system we uphold. We recognize that effective policing requires building positive relationships with the communities we serve, and respect is fundamental to those relationships.

Comprehensive Law Enforcement Services

The Pennsylvania State Police provides a wide array of law enforcement and public safety services to the citizens of Pennsylvania. Our responsibilities encompass criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, homeland security, and specialized tactical operations. We maintain jurisdiction throughout the state and often serve as the primary law enforcement agency in municipalities that do not have local police departments.

Our criminal investigation capabilities are among the most sophisticated in the nation. Our detectives are specially trained to handle complex cases ranging from fraud and cybercrime to homicide and organized crime. We utilize cutting-edge forensic technology and investigative techniques to solve cases and bring criminals to justice. Our crime laboratories provide scientific analysis and evidence processing that supports not only our own investigations but also assists local law enforcement agencies throughout Pennsylvania.

Traffic safety represents another critical aspect of our mission. Our troopers patrol Pennsylvania's highways, interstates, and rural roads, working to prevent accidents, enforce traffic laws, and respond to emergencies. We investigate serious traffic accidents, conduct safety education programs, and work closely with other agencies to improve roadway safety throughout the Commonwealth. Our commercial vehicle enforcement unit ensures that trucks and other commercial vehicles operating on Pennsylvania roads meet safety standards and comply with applicable regulations.

Specialized Units and Capabilities

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains numerous specialized units designed to address specific law enforcement challenges and public safety needs. Our Special Emergency Response Team handles high-risk situations requiring tactical expertise and specialized equipment. This elite unit trains continuously to respond to hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and other critical incidents that exceed the capabilities of traditional patrol units.

Our K-9 units provide invaluable assistance in drug detection, explosive detection, tracking suspects, and search and rescue operations. These highly trained dogs and their handlers work throughout the state, supporting both routine operations and emergency situations. The bond between our K-9 officers and their canine partners represents one of the most effective tools in modern law enforcement.

Aviation services form another crucial component of our specialized capabilities. Our helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft support ground operations, provide aerial surveillance, assist in search and rescue missions, and offer rapid transportation for personnel and equipment. These aerial assets significantly extend our operational reach and enhance our ability to respond quickly to emergencies across Pennsylvania's diverse terrain.

Community Engagement and Education

The Pennsylvania State Police recognizes that effective law enforcement requires strong partnerships with the communities we serve. We actively engage with citizens through various educational programs, community meetings, and public safety initiatives. Our community relations efforts focus on building trust, fostering open communication, and working collaboratively with residents to address local safety concerns.

Our educational programs reach citizens of all ages, from elementary school safety presentations to senior citizen fraud prevention seminars. We provide information about personal safety, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness. These programs not only help protect citizens but also create opportunities for positive interactions between our personnel and community members.

Youth programs hold special importance in our community engagement efforts. We work with schools, youth organizations, and community groups to provide positive role models and educational opportunities for young people. These interactions help build respect for law enforcement while giving youth valuable insights into career opportunities in public safety.

Training and Professional Development

The Pennsylvania State Police maintains rigorous training standards that ensure our personnel are prepared to handle the complex challenges of modern law enforcement. Our training academy provides comprehensive initial training for new troopers, covering everything from basic law enforcement techniques to advanced investigative procedures. This intensive training program produces highly qualified professionals ready to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

Continuing education and professional development remain priorities throughout our officers' careers. We provide ongoing training in areas such as crisis intervention, cultural sensitivity, legal updates, and emerging technologies. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that our personnel remain current with best practices and evolving law enforcement techniques.

Leadership development programs prepare our most promising personnel for supervisory and command responsibilities. We believe that strong leadership is essential for effective law enforcement operations and work to cultivate leadership skills at all levels of our organization.

Technology and Innovation

The Pennsylvania State Police embraces technology and innovation as essential tools for modern law enforcement. We continuously evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance our investigative capabilities, improve officer safety, and increase operational efficiency. Our commitment to technological advancement helps us stay ahead of criminals who increasingly use sophisticated methods to commit crimes.

Our communications systems provide reliable, secure connectivity between field personnel, dispatch centers, and other agencies. This robust communications infrastructure ensures that our officers can coordinate effectively and receive critical information when needed. We also maintain comprehensive databases that provide quick access to criminal records, vehicle information, and other essential data.

Forensic technology capabilities continue to expand, allowing us to process evidence more quickly and accurately than ever before. DNA analysis, digital forensics, and other scientific techniques provide powerful tools for solving crimes and prosecuting offenders. We work closely with other agencies to share information and resources, maximizing the effectiveness of our technological investments.

Contact and Accessibility

The Pennsylvania State Police Reading location at 600 Kenhorst Blvd remains accessible to citizens who need our services. Our phone number, 610-621-8630, connects callers with professional personnel ready to assist with non-emergency matters and provide information about our services. For emergencies, citizens should always dial 911 to ensure the fastest possible response.

We encourage community members to contact us with questions, concerns, or information that might assist our investigations. Our personnel are trained to handle inquiries professionally and courteously, whether they involve reporting suspicious activity, requesting information about cases, or seeking guidance on safety matters.

The Pennsylvania State Police remains committed to serving the citizens of Pennsylvania with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. We are proud of our long history of service and look forward to continuing our mission of protecting and serving the Commonwealth for generations to come. Our success depends on the trust and support of the communities we serve, and we work every day to earn and maintain that trust through our actions and commitment to excellence.