HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday rolled out sweeping upgrades to its patrol vehicles, introducing high-visibility lighting and advanced sound technology designed to improve safety during traffic stops and emergency responses across the Commonwealth.
The enhancements, unveiled in Harrisburg, position PSP among just two law enforcement agencies nationwide equipped with an advanced siren system that allows motorists to detect approaching emergency vehicles faster than before, officials said.
“These upgrades represent a major step forward in safety, visibility, and operational efficiency,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. He said the technology continues the department’s long-standing focus on professionalism and innovation while setting new benchmarks for law enforcement.
At the center of the overhaul is a distinctive V-shaped light bar that delivers full 360-degree illumination, significantly increasing visibility compared with traditional linear light bars. The system doubles as an auxiliary brake light during hard stops, an arrow board for traffic control, and a floodlight for dark or hazardous scenes. An automatic dimming feature reduces glare when vehicles are parked during nighttime operations.
The lighting system is paired with GPS-based vehicle-to-vehicle communication that synchronizes flash patterns and voice commands among nearby patrol units, improving coordination and safety at emergency scenes.
PSP patrol cars have also been equipped with a new 400-watt siren system featuring four speakers and a low-frequency “Rumbler” device. By adding low-frequency vibrations to standard siren tones, the system increases sound pressure inside nearby vehicles by as much as 10 decibels, giving drivers earlier warning and more time to react.
To support the new hardware, the department modernized its light and siren control panels. When emergency lights are activated, the system shifts into hands-free operation, while the public address system remains live at full volume. Troopers can deploy automated voice commands commonly used during traffic stops and incident responses in both English and Spanish, with the ability to repeat commands as needed.
State officials said the upgrades align with broader public safety investments under the administration of Josh Shapiro. The 2025–26 state budget includes funding to replace high-mileage patrol vehicles, which often log up to 200,000 miles while covering roughly 44,000 miles of roadway statewide, as well as funding for additional state police cadet classes.
Since Shapiro took office, Pennsylvania has funded 12 cadet classes to train more than 1,000 new troopers, with more than 550 already graduated and assigned. Additional funding has supported municipal police recruitment and retention through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
PSP officials said the vehicle upgrades reflect a continued commitment to equipping troopers with modern tools while strengthening protections for motorists and communities throughout Pennsylvania.
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