Public safety and state police staffing
The 2026-27 budget includes support for nearly 400 more state troopers along with expanded mental health services, reflecting gubernatorial priorities on public safety. Pennsylvania continues to debate the right mix of policing resources, community safety, and related supports.
What should Pennsylvania's approach be to state police staffing and public safety investment?
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Sources
Governor Josh Shapiro — https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-signs-bipartisan-2026-27-budget--securing-major
secured many of the priorities he laid out in his Budget Address in February – including more resources for our schools and students, expanded workforce development initiatives, nearly 400 more state troopers, support for start-ups, expanded mental health services, and more support for children and families.
Governor Josh Shapiro — https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-2026-27-budget-proposal-to-keep-doing-what-s-working
The Governor’s proposed budget places a special emphasis on affordability, cutting costs for Pennsylvanians across the energy and housing sectors; investing in public safety; spurring economic development; and advancing bipartisan solutions to support Pennsylvania students.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Pair police hiring with major new investments in mental health, violence prevention, and social services
- Support adding state troopers and expanded mental health services as complementary safety tools
- Maintain current public safety funding levels while monitoring crime and staffing trends
- Focus added resources mainly on law enforcement hiring and enforcement rather than social programs
- Prioritize tough-on-crime enforcement and maximize police resources over expanded social spending