Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

Senate Resolution 94 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Law Enforcement. This task force will examine challenges in attracting and keeping law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and prosecutors across the Commonwealth. It will comprise various state officials and representatives from relevant associations and labor organizations. The task force is mandated to provide recommendations and identify necessary changes to state statutes, practices, policies, and procedures to improve staffing in these critical public safety roles. A report detailing its findings and recommendations must be submitted by April 30, 2026, to the Governor and legislative leaders.

HB 2055 requires Pennsylvania police officers to complete a mandatory basic tactical operations course as part of their certification training. The course covers practical skills like safe building entry, team communication during operations, threat identification under stress, and scenario-based training focused on officer safety and lawful force use. This new requirement applies specifically to police officers seeking certification under Pennsylvania's municipal police training rules. Completion of this course becomes a prerequisite for certification, directly affecting all new and existing officers needing to maintain their certification status.