Shapiro Administration Unveils New Outdoor Tactical Training Area as Part of Major Overhaul to Modernize PSP's Academy, Ensuring Troopers are Well-Trained to Protect[...]

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September 24, 2026 - Hershey, PA

Shapiro Administration Unveils New Outdoor Tactical Training Area as Part of Major Overhaul to Modernize PSP's Academy, Ensuring Troopers are Well-Trained to Protect Pennsylvanians for Generations to Come

Nearly three years after breaking ground, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Department of General Services (DGS) today unveiled a newly completed outdoor tactical training area, marking the latest milestone in the construction of PSP's new state-of-the-art Academy. The project will modernize the 68-year old campus, continuing Governor Josh Shapiro's work to build safer communities by ensuring Troopers are well-trained to protect Pennsylvanians.

"It is inspiring to see our vision of a state-of-the-art Academy coming to life that will provide our cadets now and for generations to come with cutting-edge resources and world-class training that best prepares them for policing in the 21st century," said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "This project is a long-term investment to help the brave women and men who choose to wear the uniform to protect Pennsylvanians while keeping themselves safe."

The new tactical training area, called a Callout Village, consists of replica homes, a business, and a place of worship. Each structure will provide cadets and other law enforcement personnel with realistic environments to train for real-life situations that they are likely to face in the field. From neighbor disputes to active shooter situations, the Callout Village will allow cadets to gain hands-on experience responding to emergencies, learn from their mistakes, and develop best practices for handling highly stressful, dangerous, and intense situations well before they graduate and become state troopers.

Speaker List:
Sgt. Logan Brouse - Director, PSP Communications Office
Lt. Colonel George Bivens - Acting Commissioner of PSP
DGS Secretary Sanda Aguilera
Maj. Gerard McShea - Director, PSP Bureau of Training and Education

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