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PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE UNIFORM PATCH
In use from 1988 to present

PA State Police Shoulder Patch

DID YOU KNOW THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE TROOPER UNIFORM PATCH HAS A STORY BEHIND IT?  

In the late 1960's, many local police agencies, even police officers themselves, were designing and wearing various patches, and even designing their own uniforms, some of which very similar to state police trooper uniforms. many people could not tell the difference between state police troopers and local police officers... 

This caused some problems which persisted until 1985. Commissioner Jay Cochran selected six Troopers to study the problem, and suggest a uniform that would be worn exclusively by State Troopers.  The most important issue to be dealt with was the shoulder patch itself.  the Troopers made numerous suggestions for changes to the uniforms of the State Troopers, most notably, an entirely unique patch to define and separate State Troopers from the officers of other agencies.  The elements and colors within the patch were each chosen specifically to reflect traditions and symbolism significant to Pennsylvania State Troopers. 

For example: the entire modern day trooper patch design rests within a field of jet black. Black was selected to represent the departments early history of quelling violence in Pennsylvania's coal regions. 

At the bottom of the patch, "Trooper" is embroidered in gold letters. 
No matter how high an individual rises within the ranks of the state police, their role as a Trooper is foremost. 

The patch, and the Pennsylvania keystone, are outlined in the same gold. 
this signifies the value that State Troopers place upon their obligation to duty and their profession. 

The coat of arms adopted from Pennsylvania's state seal is a unifying symbol for all who wear the Trooper uniform. 

Surrounding the coat of arms, the silver starburst is reminiscent of the starburst affixed to the "bobby hats" of the early uniforms worn by the first 228 troopers.   
State Police Superintendent, Col. John C. Groome, designed the first uniform, and the bobby hat.  

The field of red behind the state coat of arms honors the shed blood of Pennsylvania State Police troopers who laid down their lives in the performance of duty.  To date 90 troopers are included on the killed in the line of duty list.

Overall, the patch, put officially into play in 1988 and used through the present day, serves as a reminder to the Troopers themselves, and a reminder to Pennsylvania's citizens, that those who have earned the right to wear the patch possess
the will, and have been granted the authority, to enforce laws and maintain order across the commonwealth.

Today the authorized complement of Pennsylvania State Police Troopers is over 4,600 sworn members. Serving alongside them, over 1,600 civilian personnel perform a variety of support
roles.

THE PRESENT DAY UNIFORM PATCH   (shown above)
WAS PRECEDED BY THESE UNIFORM PATCHES. . .
 

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