Many people only meet the Pennsylvania State Police after they've been caught speeding.
Recruiters hope to change that.
"Get to Know Your State Police Day" will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Puerto Rican Committee of Lancaster, 150-152 S. Prince St.
The State Police, members of the State Civil Service Commission and the Liquor Control Enforcement Office will set up recruiting tables. The event is open to the general public, though police are especially looking for Latino applicants.
State Police Cpl. Daniel Gonzalez, who visited Lancaster week, cited the rapidly growing Latino population as a reason for the push to diversify.
"It's very important to have individuals who can relate to the culture and the community," he said.
A similar event held Aug. 16 in Philadelphia generated 30 qualified State Police applicants, Gonzalez said, and the civil service commission had lines of applicants for most of the day. Tara Amato, a liquor enforcement officer in the Philadelphia office, estimated that about 400 people attended and 50 filled out applications for liquor control positions.
Police are considering another event in Pittsburgh, Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez encouraged families to come and learn about safety and how police work. Displays include a rollover simulator to demonstrate the importance of seat belts, vehicles seized in drug raids and police equipment.
Gonzalez said police are looking to improve their relationship with communities.
"We shouldn't just react to the situation; we should be part of the community," he said.
Gonzalez said most of his work in recruiting went on at colleges, but that the force is trying to open up to other parts of the community.
"A lot of times people see us on the highways, but they don't know us," he said.
"We want to be able to say: 'We're welcoming you and we hope you welcome us.' "
Megan Hart is a Sunday News staff writer. Contact her at mhart@lnpnews.com.
