HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania's State Police commissioner fielded questions Monday as budget hearings continued in the state Capitol.
The Pennsylvania State Police have been funded, in part, by transportation dollars for decades. Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget aims to change that.
While some senators wondered if the funding source is reliable, State Police Commissioner Col. Chris Paris said that's a question for the budget secretary.
"I would just simply underscore the fact for us to have a dedicated funding source is a game changer for the PSP," Paris said.
Central Pennsylvania Republican Mike Regan asked the commissioner about another funding issue: What happens when a municipality decides to disband its police department.
"Are there any additional funds that come your way if you take over a large municipality that disbands or any municipality dispenses a police department?" Regan asked.
"No," said Paris. "Currently, there is no way by which we would be able to recoup any funding if they disband. At a certain date and time, their calls for service would be referred to us and, legislatively, we're duty-bound to respond."
Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin said requiring municipalities who rely on the Pennsylvania State Police to pay for services would be unfair, as many rural communities have very few calls.
Paris discussed ongoing staffing issues, gun safety and marijuana policy — and he said, like several of his predecessors, he would not be opposed to local police using radar.
