Pennsylvania Capitol Police History of the Department: The Pennsylvania Capitol Police Department was established in 1895 under Governor Daniel Hartman Hastings, the Commonwealth s 21 st Governor. The Enactment of Act 12 dated March 26, 1895 authorized the Capitol Police as the first Pennsylvania police agency under commonwealth jurisdiction. The Capitol Police was placed under the immediate control of the Superintendent of Public Grounds and Buildings. The Superintendent s Office was directly responsible to the Board of Commissioners of Public Grounds and Buildings and consisted of the Governor, Auditor General and the State Treasurer. Picture: Pennsylvania State Capitol 1855. The State Capitol Building was destroyed by fire on February 2, 1897. The Act described the powers of the Superintendent and the Capitol Police as follows He the Superintendent shall exercise special care in the enforcement of good order, both in the buildings and on the grounds, and shall see that all disorderly persons are excluded from the premises of the State Capitol; and in the discharge of such duties he is hereby empowered, to adopt whatever means may be deemed necessary for the protection of the property of the State and enforcement of good order upon the premises thereof; and in the arrest, detention and
disposition of outlaws or disorderly persons the said Superintendent and this police are hereby given the same powers now or hereafter exercised under the authority of law or ordinance by the Police force of the City of Harrisburg. The original Act states that the Capitol Police Force shall consist of six men to be appointed by the Board of Public Grounds and Buildings, one of whom shall be designated as Sergeant. The police force wore a prescribed uniform with a badge and was also issued weapons. The salary for the Capitol Police Force was $900.00 for the officers and $1000.00 for the Sergeant. The Capitol Police has gone through many changes since the early 1900 s. The structure, size, jurisdiction and authority have changed drastically. The Capitol Police is part of the Department of General Services under the Governor s Jurisdiction and is headed by the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent. There are approximately 80 sworn officers headed by three lieutenant and twelve sergeants and two corporals. The Capitol Police employs administrative staff to carry out every day functions and security personnel to cover security checkpoints throughout the Capitol Complex. The jurisdiction extends to state office buildings in Philadelphia and Scranton where officers are assigned on a permanent basis. In Harrisburg, the Police Officers are tasked with covering the main Capitol Complex as well as fifteen outlying state-leased and owned buildings. Picture: Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda 2011
Mission of the Pennsylvania Capitol Police: Through leadership and support, the Capitol Police provides a safe environment for employees and the visiting public. We strive to operate in a caring and efficient manner always vigilant to the security and protection of persons and Commonwealth property. Commitment Integrity People Equality We have a commitment to those we serve. We conduct ourselves in a professional manner to earn the trust of the people we serve. We respect and value each other and promote teamwork. All persons are equal regardless of race, color, creed, ethnic background, physical disabilities, or lifestyles. Capitol Police Daily Operations: The Capitol Police protect the State Capitol twenty-four hours a day seven days a week; securing entrances to the Capitol Buildings, monitoring video surveillance systems, and patrolling interior and exterior of the buildings. The Capitol Police maintain their own Communication Center for receiving calls from employees and the public and dispatching officers to calls around the Capitol Complex. The Capitol Police patrol the Capitol Complex by foot patrol and vehicles. In 2013, the Capitol Police was provided with a new fleet of patrol vehicles
Pennsylvania Capitol Police Specialized Units: Investigation Section Bicycle Unit The investigation section consists of a sergeant and corporal and is in charge of the Crime Prevention Program and assisting officers with investigations criminal cases. Officers are assigned to patrol the State Capitol Complex and other state-owned and leased buildings. K-9 Unit There is three K-9 Explosive Units and one K-9 Patrol/Narcotics Unit. The K-9 Explosive Unit is used to search suspicious and unattended packages. The K-9 Patrol Unit is used for search and rescue as well as detection of narcotics. Quick Response Team The Q.R.T is used to respond to emergencies in a rapid manner during an active shooter or hostage situation.
Pennsylvania Capitol Police Accreditation: The Capitol Police is a duo accredited police department through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The Capitol Police became an accredited police department on July 9, 2005 through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) and Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. On June 26, 2013 the Capitol Police received their second reaccreditation at the Annual Pennsylvania Chief of Police Convention. The Capitol Police obtained international accreditation on July 28, 2007 through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). On August 3, 2013 the Capitol Police was awarded their second reaccreditation at the summer CALEA Convention. The Capitol Police was recognized for their professional excellence and demonstrating a commitment to being a highly trained police department.