HARRISBURG, PA — On Thursday, three new officers were sworn into the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force by Superintendent Joe Jacob. This ceremony marks the third group to complete the Pennsylvania Capitol Police Recruit Program.
Two of the officers completed the recruit program, which includes police academy training and Act 120 certification. The third officer was a direct hire through the agency’s Act 120 program.
Strengthening the Force
“We proudly welcome these new officers to the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force. Their dedication and successful completion of the comprehensive training program highlight our commitment to maintaining the safety and security of our Commonwealth community,” said Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil.
The Capitol Police Recruit Program provides full coverage for candidates to attend the six-month Act 120 certification police academy. This enables recruits to finish officer field training and start as full-time Capitol Police Officers. Launched last year, the program aims to strengthen the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force. Since its inception, 11 officers have joined through this program. The Act 120 Program focuses on hiring individuals who have already completed the police academy or are working in law enforcement with 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 Superintendent Joe Jacob.
Meet the New Officers
- Officer Nathan Lee: Raised in Harrisburg, Lee graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from La Salle University. He was a state probation field agent with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections before joining the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. He earned top marksman honors at the 124th Harrisburg Area Community College Police Academy.
- Officer Brandon Oldham: From Philadelphia, Oldham graduated from Honesdale High School and earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Lackawanna College. He looks forward to being active in hands-on police work and aims to leave a positive impact on the people of Harrisburg by treating everyone with respect and compassion. Oldham plans to join the Capitol Police Bicycle Unit.
- Officer Neal Kokatay: A native of Norristown, Kokatay graduated from Kennedy Kenrick Catholic High School and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He obtained 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 Capitol Police, he worked as a Waterways Conservation Officer for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
This swearing-in brings the Pennsylvania Capitol Police force to 85 officers. The department is still accepting applications from those already possessing Act 120 certification.
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