Pennsylvania Senate blocks governor’s pick to head state police

By David DeKok

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Reuters) – Republicans in the Pennsylvania state Senate on Monday rejected Democratic Governor Tom Wolf’s nominee to head the state police, criticizing the nominee’s decision to wear the state police uniform even though he had not come up through the ranks.

The Senate voted 26-22 against Marcus Brown, who had been state police commissioner in Maryland, with three moderate Republicans joining all 19 Democrats on the losing side.

Several retired state troopers first raised the issue of Brown’s decision to wear the department’s uniform, although other retired troopers called it bogus. Brown tore down signs near his home attacking him for wearing the uniform.

“There has been no final decision regarding a renomination,” said Wolf spokesman Jeffrey Sheridan. “Colonel Brown will continue to serve as acting commissioner. There is no time limit on how long someone can serve in an acting role.”

Brown could not be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for the state police referred a reporter to the governor’s office.

Brown headed the Maryland State Police from 2011 through January 2015. He currently sits on the 21-member board of commissioners of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a national police group.

(Editing by Scott Malone)