|
For Immediate
Release
3/2/11
Committee Unanimously Backs Nominee for State
Police Commissioner
Frank Noonan would oversee more than 4,400 state
troopers.
Harrisburg – The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy
(R-37), today unanimously recommended Senate confirmation of Frank Noonan as
State Police Commissioner.
The Lackawanna County resident is a career investigator who previously served
as Chief of Criminal Investigations in the state Attorney General's Office. A
Vietnam veteran, his 30-year career began as an FBI agent and included a decade
as Northeast Regional Director for the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics
Investigation.
"Pennsylvania State Police play a vital role in enforcing the law and
preserving the peace, at the state level and in local communities. It's a
challenging task, and I believe Acting Commissioner Frank Noonan has the depth
of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations necessary to
maintain the high standards to which we hold the State Police," said Pippy.
The State Police Commissioner commands a statewide complement of more than
6,000 enlisted and civilian employees, including 4,400 state troopers, and
administers an $876 million budget.
The Acting Commissioner and several committee members noted that the decrease
in the State Police complement is an important issue. The force is down 300
troopers, with 1,400 eligible for retirement before the next contract is in
place.
In addition to looking at cadet classes and the State Police complement,
Senator Pippy said the committee will be exploring are the costs and benefits of
the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS), which is used by firearms dealers
to verify an applicant's eligibility to legally purchase a firearm. The impact
of Marcellus Shale development on State Police, particularly in communities
without local police departments, is another issue that needs to be discussed,
he said.
CONTACT:
Cheryl Schriner
(717) 787-5839
|
