Greater Allegheny

Penn State Greater Allegheny welcomes new chief of police

Patrick McElhinny is the new chief of police at Penn State Greater Allegheny. McElhinny comes to the campus from Hermitage, Pa., where he worked on the police force for 34 years, including seven years as chief. He earned a bachelor of science degree in administration of criminal justice and a master of science degree in strategic leadership, both from from Mountain State University, W.V. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy, is certified in POLEX I & II and holds a Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series Certificate. He has been president of his local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association, and other organizations as well as serves on the boards of a number of police-related organizations.

“I chose Penn State because I wanted the experience of a campus setting and the different challenges of policing that presents,” said McElhinny, “It is an honor to be here, and I look forward to meeting and working with the campus community.”

His first order of business? “To become familiar with the police officers, staff and faculty, and assess the needs of the campus.” He wants to be sure that department resources are utilized to deter crime and continue to make Penn State Greater Allegheny a safe community.

Patrick McElhinny, police chief at Penn State Greater Allegheny Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated March 20, 2013

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