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Police

Show All Answers

1. Who is the Chief of Police?

John Gardner is the Chief of Police.

2. Where is the Police Department located?

The State College Police Department is located on the first floor of the State College Municipal Building, 243 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16801.

3. How many officers are in the Department?

The State College Police Department currently has:

• 65 Full time sworn officers,
• 12 Full and part-time civilians,
• 15 Part-time crossing guards.
  

4. Does the Police Department use Tasers?

Yes, Penn State University Police and State College Police have purchased and trained police officers on Tasers, devices that use an electrical impulse to briefly immobilize violent or resisting suspects that provides a safer option for arresting individuals who are clearly at risk of harming themselves or others. The devices, commonly carried by police nationwide, will be carried by State College Police officers and Penn State University Park police officers effective February 24, 2015.

5. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports are available at the Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call us at (814) 234-7150 prior to coming to get the report to verify that the report has been completed and is available. There is a fee for copies of the report.

Additionally, as part of our participation in the CARFAX Police Crash Assistance program, all crash reports for State College Police Department are now available for purchase online.

Online Crash Reports...

6. Does your Department do fingerprinting for job applications, concealed weapons permits, I.N.S., etc.?

No, we do not fingerprint for any of these services. Check with Penn State University Police Services at (814) 863-1111.

7. Can you tell me if someone is in jail?

No, we do not have any jail facilities at our Department. All arrested individuals are transported to the Centre County Correctional Facility located at 700 Rishel Hill Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823-1488. You can call them to ascertain if someone is in their facility at (814) 355-6794.

Centre County Correctional Facility Inmate Listing

8. I received a traffic ticket, where do I pay?

You should pay the ticket either by mail or in person to the Magisterial District listed at the top of your citation. The reverse side of the ticket will have information regarding payment.

9. I received a ticket and I do not think it is fair. What can I do?

If you received a ticket and you feel that it was issued in error, follow the directions on the reverse side of your citation for pleading not guilty.

10. Why aren't officers catching "real" criminals, instead of writing tickets?

It is the policy of the Department to enforce all of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Centre County, and the Borough of State College, and by doing such; the Department is committed to effective traffic enforcement to reduce accidents, apprehend drunk drivers and to ensure a high degree of safety on the highway.

11. Why do officers shine so many lights when they stop a vehicle?

Officers are trained to utilize lighting techniques to illuminate a vehicle for the safety of themselves and the occupants of the vehicle. The shining of the lights is not meant to be something that is annoying or a form of harassment.

12. Why can't officers resolve or intervene in a civil matter?

Officers generally do not actively become involved in civil disputes as they are not empowered by state statute to do so. These incidents are best dealt with by contacting an attorney or the courthouse. However, do not hesitate to call for an officer in any situation, as he/she will recommend some options available to you.

13. Why did it take so long for the Police to come when I called them?

Our response time (the time from when we receive the call to the time we arrive on the scene) is excellent. Unfortunately, we occasionally have all of our units busy on calls, so we must prioritize the calls based on the seriousness of the call and the potential for injury to persons and damage to property.

14. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions when I call the Police?

Receiving dispatchers are trained to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. On emergency calls, the dispatcher has already sent the information and an officer is coming to your location while you are being asked additional questions.

15. Can the Police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

State College Police does provide this service in the Borough and Harris Township. Call the non-emergency police at (814) 234-7150 to request an officer.

16. Can I have an officer check on a license plate?

No, since State and Federal regulations prohibit officers from using the computer to retrieve information not related to investigative purposes, and the information can only be shared with law enforcement entities.

17. I will be leaving for vacation and I am concerned about my vacant house. Can you help?

The Department has a house check program where officers will frequently check on your residence while you are gone. You will need to complete a Vacation Home Check Request form in the event the officers need to contact you while you are away. You can call (814) 234-7150 for more information.

Vacation Home Check Request

18. If I have a complaint against an officer, what should I do?

The Department is committed to maintaining a professional force and, in this regard, if anyone has a complaint concerning an officer's actions, he/she is encouraged to speak with a Department representative about the incident. No one should feel that any sort of retaliation will come as a result of complaint. The department will diligently investigate the complaint.

Commendation or Complaint

19. Why do I see officers speeding all over the place?

The Department Policies are specific about an officer's driving habits, and forbids any violation of speed that is not related to police duties. Officers are allowed, as set by statute and Department Policy, to exceed at times, the speed limit only as it relates directly to a police call.

20. I saw an officer "bust" an intersection with his lights and siren only to turn them off when he got down the road. What was he doing?

Sometimes an officer responding to an emergency call is canceled and this is why he may appear to be using his lights to get through an intersection, but shuts them off afterwards. Similarly, there are times when an officer needs to get to the call quickly, but needs to approach the scene quietly for the safety of the officer and citizens.

21. I received a telephone call soliciting funds for a police group, should I donate?

The Department does not solicit via the telephone. Any calls by another entity should be thoroughly analyzed and double checked before donating.

If someone solicits you for a donation, we recommend that you ask for their name, telephone number, and address. If the organization is legitimate, they will give you this information and then you can decide whether you want to make a donation. It is also a good idea to ask for a financial statement or budget before making a decision about whether to donate to an organization. Never give out your credit card numbers or bank account numbers over the telephone unless you are the one who has initiated the telephone call.

22. How do I apply for a Police Officer position with the State College Police Department?

For more information about hiring procedures, visit our Career Opportunities.

Career Opportunities