Agency: Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)
Total Proposed Budget: Approximately $1.9 billion
- ~$1.4 billion General Fund
- ~$250 million Motor License Fund
- ~$300 million Federal and Other Funds
Link to Video Here --> 2.24.26 - Senate Appropriations hearing w/ PSP
PSP leadership appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to justify its FY 2026–27 budget request. The hearing centered on:
- Information technology (IT) and LEIT funding increases
- Cadet recruitment and staffing pipeline
- Diversity initiatives and representation
- Governor’s residence security upgrades
- Emergency procurement and threat response
- Firearms/PICS restricted account audit findings
- Agency fiscal controls and sustainability
The tone of the hearing was detailed and oversight-focused, but not adversarial. Senators pressed for clarity on spending growth and internal controls, while PSP emphasized modernization, staffing continuity, and operational readiness.
1. Overall Budget and Funding Structure
PSP confirmed its total funding request of approximately $1.9 billion across all fund sources
Key components include:
- $1.4B from the General Fund
- $250M from the Motor License Fund
- $300M from federal and other funding sources
Legislators focused on growth areas within the request, particularly technology and infrastructure lines, and whether increases represent one-time needs or structural changes.
2. Law Enforcement Information Technology (LEIT) Increase
One of the most scrutinized items was a proposed increase of approximately $6 million (about 22%) in the LEIT line.
PSP Explanation
PSP characterized this as:
- Baseline maintenance funding, not expansion
- Covering software, hardware, mobile data terminals, patrol vehicle tech, investigative databases, and security infrastructure
- Necessary to address underfunded prior-year baselines
PSP leadership stated that:
- Previous funding levels required internal “triage”
- Current request reflects the true operational cost of sustaining systems
- The higher level will need to be maintained in future years
They emphasized that this line covers virtually all non-Office of Administration (OA) standard technology services used by PSP.
OA Server Hosting
PSP disclosed that:
- OA maintains PSP servers at an approximate cost of $28 million annually
- PSP must work through OA for server access and maintenance.
- PSP raised CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) compliance considerations when discussing IT structure.
- They did not provide a detailed cost comparison for potential insourcing.
Legislative Concerns
Senators requested:
- More detailed breakdowns
- Multi-year sustainability outlook
- Clarification on what specifically is driving the 22% increase
- Whether costs are recurring or transitional
The discussion reflected interest in lifecycle planning and future cost containment.
3. Governor’s Residence Security Upgrades
Significant time was spent on security enhancements following the April 13, 2025 attack on the Governor’s Residence.
PSP explained that:
- A formal Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVAT) was conducted.
- External review was performed by former PSP Commissioner Jeff Miller.
- Recommendations were coordinated with DGS.
- The residence was not habitable immediately following the incident.
PSP stated that two approaches were considered:
- Assigning additional troopers to perimeter security permanently.
- Implementing technological and physical security upgrades.
They testified that:
- Staffing additional troopers long-term would be more costly.
- Technology upgrades were a more fiscally responsible long-term solution.
Legislative Discussion
Questions focused on:
- Who recommended upgrades.
- Process followed.
- Cost comparison with additional personnel.
- Broader national political violence context.
The tone was serious and centered on threat environment and public safety preparedness.
4. Cadet Classes, Staffing Pipeline, and Workforce Planning
New Cadet Classes
PSP confirmed:
- Four new cadet classes (~380 cadets collectively)
- A significant pipeline investment in recruitment
Elimination of College Credit Requirement
PSP noted:
- Removal of the 60-college-credit requirement.
- Resulted in roughly a 40% increase in academy enrollment.
- Expanded applicant pool significantly.
Cap and Class Timing Concerns
PSP testified that:
- They must manage headcount cap limits.
- If retirements do not align with academy cycles, they may have to pause classes.
- Pausing creates staffing gaps that require catch-up classes later.
This was framed as a continuity challenge rather than a funding shortfall.
5. Diversity Recruitment and Representation
Senators asked specifically about diversity outcomes.
PSP Data and Efforts
PSP reported:
- Agency diversity increasing from approximately 8.3% to closer to 9%.
- Growth in diversity among commissioned officers.
- Active mentorship programs.
- Early pipeline initiatives such as:
- Camp Cadet
- Hill Impact
- Law & Leadership Programs
Recruitment strategy has shifted from traditional job fairs to:
- Social media outreach
- Early engagement
- Targeted pipeline development
PSP stated a goal of reflecting the communities they serve, while acknowledging that progress is gradual.
6. Firearms/PICS Restricted Account and Audit Findings
A major oversight topic was a firearms-related restricted account connected to the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS).
Legislative Findings
Senators referenced:
- Approximately $15 million deposited into an account that typically receives $1.5–$2 million annually.
- Concern identified through audit review.
- Question about revenue handling and reconciliation.
PSP Response
PSP stated:
- The issue was discovered during audit review.
- The account structure dates to around 2014.
- The mechanism lacked a transfer-out process.
- Funds accumulated but were not missing.
- “No money missing. All accounted for.”
PSP committed to:
- Providing year-by-year breakdown.
- Reviewing whether similar structures exist elsewhere.
- Implementing appropriate corrective mechanisms.
The discussion emphasized accounting process rather than allegations of misuse.
7. Political Violence and Hate Crimes Context
Senators referenced:
- National political violence incidents.
- Antisemitic incidents.
- Attacks on elected officials in other states.
PSP discussed:
- Broader threat environment.
- Political violence risks.
- Protective operations.
- Investigative posture.
The conversation highlighted increased security vigilance.
8. Aging Population and Dementia
Late in the hearing, discussion shifted toward:
- Pennsylvania’s aging population.
- Dementia-related public safety issues.
Overall Themes Emerging from the Hearing
- Technology Sustainability: PSP argues IT increases are baseline operational needs, not expansionary growth.
- Security Environment Shift: Post-attack security posture changes are framed as threat-driven and cost-justified.
- Recruitment Modernization: PSP emphasizes recruitment pipeline reform and expanded access.
- Diversity Efforts: Incremental but measurable progress reported.
- Fiscal Controls: Restricted account issue framed as procedural correction, not mismanagement.
- Staffing Continuity: Maintaining uninterrupted cadet classes is a structural operational priority.
Tone and Legislative Posture
- Questions were detailed and oversight-oriented.
- No overt hostility, but strong demand for documentation and clarity.
- Interest in sustainability, controls, and transparency.
- Bipartisan seriousness around security issues.