HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Police introduced new technology for its patrol vehicles on Thursday, designed to help drivers see and hear troopers more easily during emergencies.

The updates include a V-shaped light bar that provides a full circle of light around the car. This design makes the vehicle more visible than older models that used straight bars. The new system also uses GPS to connect nearby police cars so their lights flash in the same pattern. This synchronization helps prevent confusion for drivers passing an emergency scene.

A new siren system is also part of the upgrade. It uses four speakers and a device called a Rumbler, which creates low-frequency vibrations. These vibrations help motorists feel and hear the siren even if they are inside a quiet car. State police officials said Pennsylvania is one of only two agencies in the country using this specific sound technology.

Troopers can now use recorded voice commands in both English and Spanish. These messages are used during traffic stops or at the scene of an accident to give clear instructions to the public. The car control panel was also simplified to allow troopers to focus on driving and safety.

The 2025-26 state budget funded new vehicles to replace older cars in the fleet. Many state police vehicles travel about 200,000 miles before they are retired. Troopers are responsible for patrolling 44,000 miles of highway across the state.

The budget also includes money for four more cadet classes. Since early 2023, the state has funded 12 classes to train more than 1,000 new troopers. Officials said the tools and new staff members are part of a larger effort to keep Pennsylvania communities safe.