Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner: Barracks closures could happen

The commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police says the closure of a pair of dispatch centers will add 100 troopers to patrol but some barracks may have to be closed in the future while the force deals with increased responsibilities.

Commissioner Frank Noonan told a state Senate appropriations panel Thursday that the force will still be 10 percent below its full complement even after a new cadet class graduates this summer.
Noonan said thousands of troopers will be eligible for retirement in the coming year and that may require the state police to close and consolidate stations.

The commissioner says more than two dozen troopers have been reassigned to northeastern Pennsylvania in response to population growth and law enforcement needs in areas with increased natural gas drilling.