On Patrol

The Pennsylvania State Police, the first of its type in the United States, was founded in response to the violent coal strikes of the previous century and has built a stellar reputation over the past 120 years. One of the most hazardous positions in the force, and the public‘s first impression of the State Police, is that of the uniformed trooper on patrol. This presentation includes a visual record of those troopers since 1905, along with the various patrol equipment and uniforms that were used throughout that time. For the first time, a publication chronicles the complete history of how these patrol troopers‘ uniforms have changed over time, as well as how patrolling evolved from horses, to motorcycles, to the patrol cars of today, including the addition of aircraft to support the patrol function. This comprehensive publication of the State Police patrol trooper was painstakingly researched and gathered from various museums‘ photographic and archive collections, as well as from rare private collections never shared publicly. Personal stories and memorabilia of retirees and family members are also featured throughout. More than 1,300 photographs are included in this piece, including special artwork accurately representing Pennsylvania State patrol troopers since 1905.