The brave individuals employed in Pennsylvania law enforcement are always busy working to keep the state’s streets and community safe. And the end of 2022 has been no different.

From teens learning about law enforcement to an academy approved by the state to $170 million in grants to improve local law enforcement operations, Pennsylvania officials continue to tirelessly better their provisions. Below, Buddy Schum of Bucks County provides insight into grants, meals for heroes, teens learning about a future career path, and more.

Pennsylvania Teens Learn About Law Enforcement

Recently, the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Training and Education declared that they are expanding their law enforcement training opportunities for teenagers between 15 and 18 years old.

According to the director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Training and Education, Major Joanne Reed, the program is expanding into three regions of the state.

Reed notes that any teenager who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement should enroll in the opportunity. The program is set to provide a unique experience that accurately displays the work life of a state trooper.

Dubbed The Hill Impact Program, it will be offered in three locations, including the PSP Academy in Hershey.

It’s a 14-week opportunity that’s completely free and introduces teens considering law enforcement careers to various elements of education and training like physical fitness and paramilitary disciplines. Starting in January, participants will meet once a week for two-and-a-half hours in the evening and four Saturdays for four hours.

Class sizes are limited, and the registration deadline is December 31, 2022, so interested teens should sign up quickly to secure their spot!

$170 Million in Grants to Improve Local Law Enforcement

Governor Tom Wolf declared a whopping $170 million grant awarded to more than 220 law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices in the state through two programs designed to support law enforcement workers and boost community safety.

The decision to create these programs was borne out of a want to continue increasing the safety of communities and give local law enforcement officers enough resources to better serve and protect.

The Gun Violence Investigation and Prosecution (GVIP) Program and the Local Law Enforcement Support (LLES) Program are administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Wolf secured the funding for both programs in this year’s final budget.

The GVIP program offers law enforcement more tools to look into and prosecute firearm violations and associated violent crimes. Funding can be used to:

• improve multi-agency gun violence workforces.
• fund personnel, software, and technology costs.
• craft better firearm tracing programs.

The LLES program provides agencies with the relevant resources to implement IT improvements, upgrade equipment, cover nontraditional law enforcement costs, support retention, and deliver necessary training.

Priority considerations for each program were given to agencies in locations with the highest rates of violence or gun violence. Although LLES program priority was awarded to law enforcement agencies struggling with lower clearance rates.

Holiday Meals for Heroes in Montgomery County

Families of fallen law enforcement officers came together for the annual breakfast in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, to remember and honor the lives of their late parents, spouses, or siblings.

This year marked the 15th annual Holiday Meals for Heroes breakfast — a bittersweet day that those involved have begun looking forward to.

The meal helps those who share this uncommon bond come together and help each other muddle through the grief and loss, especially during such a festive time of year.

The Johnstown Regional Police Academy Approved by the State

In January of this year, the state approved the transition of a local program to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The academy’s classes are led by 12 instructors who are or were law enforcement professionals.

The Johnstown Regional Policy Academy provides a training program mandated by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Attendees are at least 18 years old, have a GED or high school diploma, passed driving and criminal record checks, and completed physical and psychological evaluations.

On top of the extensive law enforcement training, participants receive basic firearms training and even an enhanced simulation. The simulator takes the cadets through 800 real-life police response circumstances, including domestic abuse, active shooters, and assaults, to prepare them for what could lie ahead.