Borough of Heidelberg

The Pennsylvania State Police was established in May 1905 as the first state police agency in the United States. Early uniforms were patterned after those of European constabularies, particularly the Irish Constabulary of that era. A badge is not displayed on a Pennsylvania State Police uniform. Instead, all troopers are issued an identification card and badge upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police training academy in Hershey, Pa. The Pennsylvania State Police provides primary police services for 27 percent of the commonwealth s population. The Pennsylvania State Police covers more than 60 percent of the commonwealth's municipalities, 85 percent of its land area and 66 percent of Pennsylvania's highways. This is accomplished with only 19 percent of the police officers in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police operates from 80-plus stations, nearly 10 Pennsylvania Turnpike installations, plus several other locations for administrative and investigative functions. The stations are organized into 16 troop and five area commands.