STATE COLLEGE — The State College Police Department has challenges ahead as the population in the Centre Region, as well as the enrollment at Penn State University, continues to balloon. Priding itself on being a community-oriented police department for the past two decades, the SCPD needs to continue to adapt to the changes in the community, while maintaining a strong relationship with the university.
John F. Gardner, assistant chief of the SCPD, feels he has the local experience necessary to carry the police department into the future, and on Aug. 1, borough council showed their confidence in him, tabbing him as the next chief of the police department. His appointment will be effective Thursday, Sept. 1.
Gardner discussed the work that lies ahead in his new position during a press conference in council chambers the day after his appointment.
“Policing in a college town, especially State College, is not for everyone,” said the 26-year veteran of the force. “Maturation is a process, and most 18- to 23-year-olds aren’t there yet. We have to hire people who don’t overreact when they respond to calls or when they deal with young people. That’s one of the major challenges that we face here right now.”
Gardner explained the police department uses a rigorous training and testing program to find the special individuals that make a good fit for the community-minded policing approach. He said the department is currently engaged in the process of hiring the next generation of police officers for State College.
He also said the department needs to become more diverse, so the agency is a “true reflection” of the community it serves.
“While we have attempted many strategies to recruit and hire a more diverse work force for years now, we have not been successful,” he said. “We must work hard to be successful and we can begin by focusing on the recommendations provided by the Task Force on Policing and Community of Color Report.”
Also during the press conference, Gardner discussed the importance of community-oriented policing and building on existing partnership already established in the police department, as well as building new ones; fairness, accountability and transparency within the department; and the importance of officer safety.
He also took time to thank several groups, organizations and individuals for their support in his career. He had a few special words for out-going police chief Tom King, who has been chief of the SCPD since 1993.
“Chief King, you set the bar extremely high for this department and this community and I aspire to do likewise,” he said.
Gardner fielded just a few questions from the press that gathered in council’s chamber’s. One particular question held relevance after the borough council, the evening before, voted to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana in the borough. He was asked his thoughts the decision.
“I haven’t really given it much thought,” he said, “and for me to comment any further on it right now probably wouldn’t be wise.”
He did say, however, the eye of the law extends past local government.
“I do know we have state laws that govern that. We are certainly going to view it as any other tool we have in our toolbox,” he said. “I guess we just sit back and wait and see where this leads us.”
Gardner was introduced at the press conference by State College Borough manager Tom Fountaine. Fountaine said the process to seek out a new chief began four months ago and three candidates showed the highest potential; however, in the end, the council’s nod went to Gardner.
“This was a difficult choice, but only because all three candidates are such strong and capable leaders,” said Fountaine. “The three candidates for chief of police all exemplified the characteristics that we seek in a leader for the police department and I thank them for their passion and desire to serve and lead the State College Police Department.”
Gardner joined the SCPD in 1990 after holding the position of chief juvenile probation officer in Clearfield County for seven years. He worked through the ranks, serving as a police officer, detective, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. He has served in several capacities within the department as a patrol officer, field training officer, bike patrol officer, background investigator and in a number of supervisory roles.
He is also active in the community as a volunteer with the Special Olympics and with the United Way, as a youth coach and as a member of a committee to provide safety and security input for the State College Area School District High School Building project.
Gardner’s wife, Jody, attended the press conference. They have two children, Joshua and Jordan.
