Col. Ronald M. Sharpe Essay, Research Paper
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