Col. Ronald M. Sharpe

The Pennsylvania State Police began to follow the requirements of the Affirmative

Action Acts of the 1960’s. The PSP as well as all other entities within the Criminal Justice

System have been working to create more diverse law enforcement teams. In August

1987, Deputy Commissioner Ronald Sharpe was appointed Commissioner of the PSP.

Sharpe was the first African-American to be appointed to that position in the history of the

Department. While he was in office, Col. Sharpe implemented many new departmental

initiatives.

He created a seven-member uniform committee, who created new uniforms for the

PSP in January 1988. The new look consisted of a new patch and shirt. The Patch was

designed by the seven member team. It incorporated the keystone and the state’s coat of

arms encircled by the original star burst. The star burst was a part of the departments

original uniform, designed by Major John Groom in 1905. In this same month in 1988

Sharpe also graduated the first 3 of 15 Canine drug enforcement teams.

In August of 1989 Col. Sharpe brought back the traditional Motorcycle Highway

Patrol. He dedicated 12 Harley Davidson Motorcycles to respond to accidents on heavily

traveled highways; an attempt to restore traffic on major highways. To make the job of

running an agency like the PSP a bit easier Col. Sharpe created an additional 6th area of

command and formed two more Deputy Commissioner positions.

In 1990 with Gov. Casey’s help Col. Sharpe was able to create TNT, the Tactical

Narcotics Team, which is able to respond anywhere in the state within 24 hours. Sharpe

also pushed for more militaristic practices with in the PSP. Troop Drills were reinstated

for officers in the field, they included inspection, marching, and Drill formations.

Col. Ronald M. Sharpe was a proven leader. His hard work, and dedication gave

proof to the old saying “ all men were created equal”. Mr. Sharpe definitely has helped

other minority officers in their advancements. Not only because of any form of affirmative

action, but because of his dedication and hard work.

Bibliography

History Of the PSP Commissioners

History Of the PSP

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