Pennsylvania State Police in the Pocono Region
The Pennsylvania State Police is one of the largest state law enforcement agencies in the country, and it plays a central role in public safety across the Pocono Mountains region. In a region where many municipalities are small and rural — without their own police departments — the State Police provide primary law enforcement coverage for a significant portion of Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties.
The Pocono region is served primarily by three State Police stations: the Stroudsburg station (Troop N) covering much of Monroe County, the Swiftwater station serving the western and central portions of Monroe County, and the Blooming Grove station in Pike County. Wayne County is served by the Honesdale station, and Carbon County falls under separate troop jurisdiction. Together, these stations handle everything from traffic enforcement on I-80 and Route 209 to homicide investigations, drug enforcement, and emergency response.
State Police troopers are often the first responders to serious incidents in areas without local police coverage, and they maintain jurisdiction over state highways regardless of location. They also assist local departments during major incidents and provide specialized resources — including criminal investigators, forensic units, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation — that smaller departments cannot maintain on their own.
The Pennsylvania State Police also oversees the state’s criminal background check system, which is used by licensed firearms dealers for handgun purchases. The agency maintains the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) and processes background checks for gun purchases statewide.
Press releases from the Pennsylvania State Police are a primary source of local crime news across the Pocono region. The Pocono Review monitors releases from the Stroudsburg, Swiftwater, Blooming Grove, and Honesdale stations to keep readers informed about incidents, arrests, and public safety alerts in their communities.
The State Police also conduct traffic safety campaigns, DUI checkpoints, and outreach programs throughout the year. Residents can contact their nearest State Police station directly or through the main State Police non-emergency line for non-urgent matters.