Pennsylvania State Police Col. Robert Evanchick has been confirmed as the new commissioner of the statewide agency.
Evanchick, who has been serving as the acting commissioner since last March, was confirmed to the post full-time this week by the Pennsylvania Senate. He is the 23rd commissioner to oversee the state police.
Senators unanimously approved Evanchick’s confirmation.
Evanchick, 61, has command, administrative, and fiscal authority over the tenth largest police agency in the county and the more than 6,500 enlisted and civilian workers it employs.
“It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me and serve as commissioner of the oldest, and what I believe is the finest, state police force in the country,” said Evanchick. “I look forward to continuing to work with the talented and dedicated men and women of this department to move the agency forward in our mission to improve the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians.”
The Luzerne County native started his career in law enforcement with the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department before enlisting with state police in 1981. From there, he progressed up the ranks as a troop commander, deputy commissioner of operations, and eventually leading the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.
