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General Assembly Approves Trooper Discipline Bill
Thompson’s
Legislation Headed to Governor’s Desk for Enactment
HARRISBURG -- A
measure introduced by Senator Robert J. Thompson, R-19th District, that would
require the dismissal of state police troopers convicted of a felony or serious
misdemeanor is headed to the Governor’s desk for enactment.
Senate Bill 877 is poised to become law following the Senate’s
concurrence today (Tuesday, January 20) with House amendments to the bill.
“I am pleased that the General Assembly has acted on this bill,”
Senator Thompson said. “Enactment of this measure will set proper
standards for dismissal of state troopers who are convicted of a felony or a
more serious misdemeanor. Under current statute, a state police trooper
can stay on duty after he or she is convicted of a crime because of a quirk in
the law.”
Senator Thompson said the standards set by SB 877 parallel those
governing disciplinary guidelines for municipal police.
“We are providing parity between the State Police and local
police forces,” Senator Thompson said. “This measure is also intended to
rebuild public confidence in our State Police. The vast majority of our
troopers are honorable men and women, who provide a valuable service to the
Commonwealth. My legislation ensures the removal of the very small number
of bad apples whose actions erode the public’s confidence in this fine
organization.”
Approval of Senate Bill 877 came after months of negotiations
between legislative leaders, the administration and the Pennsylvania State
Troopers Association.
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