Harrisburg, PA – Today, Capitol Police Superintendent Joe Jacob swore in three new officers to the ranks of the Pennsylvania Capitol Police.
Two of the newly sworn-in officers represent the third group of candidates to complete the Pennsylvania Capitol Police Recruit Program, which covers police academy training and Act 120 certification costs. The third officer was a direct hire through the agency's Act 120 program.
“Today, we proudly welcome these new officers to the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force. Their dedication and successful completion of the comprehensive training program underscore our unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of our Commonwealth community," said Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil. “These officers embody the high standards and values we uphold in our service to the people of Pennsylvania."
The Capitol Police Recruit Program covers the cost of candidates to attend the full-time Act 120 certification police academy for six months, which enables recruits to complete officer field training and become full-time Capitol Police Officers. The recruit program was launched last year to help boost the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force. Since the start of the program, 11 officers have joined the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. The Act 120 Program hires individuals who already have completed the police academy or are working elsewhere in the law enforcement field and possess a valid Act 120 certification.
“The Capitol Police Recruit Program has been instrumental in strengthening our force, especially when combined with our efforts to hire officers who already have their Act 120 certification," said Capitol Police Superintendent Joe Jacob. “We welcome these three new officers to the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. We are excited to have them join our team and contribute to our mission of maintaining safety and security for our community."
The three officers sworn in today are:
Capitol Police Recruit Program
- Officer Nathan Lee – Officer Lee was raised in Harrisburg and graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from La Salle University. Prior to joining the Pennsylvania Capitol Police, he was a state probation field agent with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Officer Lee holds the distinction of being the top marksman in the 124th Harrisburg Area Community College Police Academy.
- Officer Brandon Oldham – Officer Oldham is from Philadelphia and graduated from Honesdale High School. He attended Lackawanna College, where he earned his associate degree in criminal justice. Officer Oldham looks forward to being active in hands-on police work and leaving a lasting impression on the people of Harrisburg by treating everyone with respect, compassion, and understanding. He also intends to join the Capitol Police Bicycle Unit.
Act 120 Certification Program
- Officer Neal Kokatay – Officer Kokatay, a Norristown native, graduated from Norristown's Kennedy Kenrick Catholic High School. He attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice. He received his Act 235 certification from Philadelphia's Law Enforcement and Security Officer Training Academy and his Act 120 certification from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey. Before joining the PA Capitol Police, he most recently worked for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as a Waterways Conservation Officer.
Today's swearing-in ceremony brings the Pennsylvania Capitol Police contingent to 85 officers. The Pennsylvania Capitol Police is currently accepting applications for applicants already possessing Act 120 certification. The recruit program will reopen later this year.
For more information or questions, visit www.employment.pa.gov/capitolpolice.
MEDIA CONTACT: Eric Veronikis, everonikis@pa.gov
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