May. 19, 2023
HARRISBURG – With the perfect backdrop of National Police Week, state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) is introducing legislation that addresses the expanded role played by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) in the 21st Century.
“This week, we are recognizing the role which law enforcement plays in our lives and communities, and today’s PSP is called on to do so much more, especially with the rise in the number of smaller municipalities which are depending on them,” said Struzzi. “
House Bill 1149 will lift what I consider to be an antiquated cap on the number of officers allowed by law, which would take into account the increased demands on their time.”
Struzzi’s legislation, which has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, would remove the artificial “complement cap” which limits the maximum authorized number of Pennsylvania State Police troopers. The subject came up during House Appropriations Committee budget hearings with Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher L. Paris.
“The increase in gang and drug violence has placed more of a burden on the PSP, which is spending more time in areas of the state where they may not have been previously,” Struzzi added. “I’m encouraged by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which would create four new cadet classes in 2023-24 and target $20 million for equipment replacement and upgrades. My legislation is a compliment to that need for increased funding for statewide law enforcement.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
RepStruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi