Governor Rendell Names Deputy Commissioner of Professional Responsibility for State Police, Releases Kroll's First Quarterly Report.

Business Editors

HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2004

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that upon the recommendation of Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller, he has appointed Major John R. Brown to the newly created position of Deputy Commissioner of Professional Responsibility. In this capacity, Brown will focus on all issues related to police misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

"Creating the new Deputy Commissioner position, and appointing a well-respected member of the Pennsylvania State Police such as Major Brown to it, marks an important step in ensuring the integrity of the Department," Governor Rendell said. "It also sends a clear, strong signal that Pennsylvanians will not tolerate misconduct among our State Troopers, most of whom are persons of honor who put their lives in danger every day to protect the people of this Commonwealth and enforce its laws."

The creation of the new Deputy position - the fourth in the Department - is intended to be consistent with recommendations made by Kroll Inc. (NASDAQ: KROL), the nationally respected police monitoring firm that was appointed last year by the Governor to serve as an independent monitor of the State Police last year. Kroll will evaluate the appointment of Major Brown to determine whether it serves to effect meaningful change and reform within the department.

The creation of the new Deputy position is also intended to respond to a recommendation by the Inspector General that "internal affairs" functions report directly to the State Police Commissioner because of the complexity and importance of the subject matter. In his new position, Major Brown will oversee four State Police bureaus: the newly renamed Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards (formerly the Bureau of Professional Responsibility), the Department Discipline Office, the Equal Opportunity Employment Office and the Early Intervention Office.

The report released today is the first of four that Kroll will prepare for the Rendell Administration to monitor the implementation of reforms recommended by the Inspector General last year. Kroll will provide more detailed monitoring results and recommendations in subsequent reports as it becomes further acquainted with State Police operations.

Governor Rendell pointed out that, among other things, the report:

-- Commends Colonel Miller and his senior staff for their

responsiveness to all requests by the firm and for making

themselves available to the firm when needed.

-- Recognizes that Colonel Miller has at all times demonstrated a

serious commitment to work with the Monitor to implement

recommendations in the OIG Report, and to work on improvements

in complaint processing, investigation, prevention and

training.

-- Notes that the State Police has already taken several steps to

address the misconduct at issue, including: the announcement

of a "zero tolerance" policy against sexual harassment and

misconduct; the creation of an early-intervention program; the

tightening of pre-employment screening practices; and the

provision of additional training focused on sexual harassment

and misconduct.

-- Recognizes that many of the long-term reforms sought by the

administration will involve the collective-bargaining process

with the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, as well as

support from the State Legislature.

-- Reveals that the PSP recognizes the level of commitment

necessary to improve State Police complaint processing and

investigations, disciplinary procedures, pre-employment

background investigations and probationary employment, and

training with respect to sexual harassment and sexual

misconduct issues.

Finally, Governor Rendell noted that while the Kroll report contained much to be proud of, it also showed that a significant amount of work remains to be done in coming months. The Governor stated that his administration, along with Colonel Miller, Major Brown and the rest of the State Police will continue to work to implement the steps necessary to guarantee the honor and integrity of the department.