PSP Unveils High-Tech Patrol Vehicles
The Pennsylvania State Police has introduced a range of cutting-edge upgrades to its patrol vehicles, significantly enhancing safety and visibility during traffic stops and emergency responses. According to Lt. Col. George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the PSP, these advancements represent a major leap forward in terms of safety, visibility, and operational efficiency.
The upgraded patrol vehicles feature a distinctive V-shaped light bar that provides 360-degree illumination, dramatically improving visibility compared to traditional linear bars. This system also includes GPS-based vehicle-to-vehicle communication, which automatically synchronizes flash patterns and voice commands among nearby patrol units, thereby enhancing coordination and safety at emergency scenes. Additionally, the light bar functions as an auxiliary brake light, an arrow board for traffic control, and a floodlight for use in dark environments.
The department has also equipped its patrol vehicles with a state-of-the-art 400-watt siren system, which includes four speakers and a low-frequency Rumbler device. This system adds low-frequency vibrations to traditional high-frequency tones, increasing sound pressure inside nearby vehicles by up to 10 decibels and providing motorists with more time to detect and respond to approaching emergency vehicles. The PSP is one of only two law enforcement agencies in the nation to utilize this advanced sound capability.
To support these enhancements, the PSP has modernized the light and siren control panel, making operation simpler and more intuitive. When emergency lights are activated, the controls automatically enter a hands-free mode, and the public address system remains live at full volume to ensure clear communication. Troopers also have access to a range of automated voice commands, which can be used for traffic stops and incident responses and are available in both English and Spanish.
These upgrades reflect the department’s commitment to embracing new technologies and tools to ensure that troopers have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and efficiently. The Shapiro Administration has also invested in new patrol vehicles to replace high-mileage units in the PSP fleet, with the 2025-26 state budget including funding for four additional PSP cadet classes. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes, training over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and providing funding to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police and its initiatives, visit the PSP website. The introduction of these advanced patrol vehicle upgrades is a significant step forward in enhancing trooper safety, visibility, and communication, and demonstrates the department’s dedication to protecting Pennsylvania communities.
