STATE COLLEGE — Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin recently announced that Matthew Wilson has been named Ferguson Township Chief of Police .
“His proven leadership, depth of experience, and commitment to community-centered policing make him the right person to guide the Ferguson Township Police Department into its next chapter,” Martin said in a statement.
Wilson, a law enforcement leader with nearly two decades of progressive command experience with the State College Police Department, will begin his service at the start of the new year.
Wilson’s career includes service as Assistant Chief, Police Patrol Captain, and Police Patrol Lieutenant, where he consistently advanced operational excellence, strengthened officer readiness, and cultivated strong community relationships. He has overseen patrol operations, managed personnel and resource deployment, chaired internal review boards, modernized equipment and technology systems, and coordinated public safety efforts with local, regional, and state agencies, community partners, and Penn State University.
His leadership reflects a deep commitment to community-centered policing, transparency, accountability, and service.
Wilson has implemented training programs focused on conflict resolution, de-escalation, and officer development. He has also led initiatives that improved organizational efficiency and reinforced ethical standards across departmental functions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in administration of justice from Penn State University, completed the Municipal Police Academy at Harrisburg Area Community College, and is an alumnus of Northwestern University’s renowned School of Police Staff and Command.
“On behalf of Ferguson Township, I am honored to welcome Matthew Wilson as our next
Police Chief. His demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, his strengths in community engagement, and his extensive command-level experience make him exceptionally well suited to guide the Ferguson Township Police Department into its next chapter,” Martin said.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected to serve the Ferguson Township community and
police department as the next chief of police,” Wilson said in a statement. “I leave an incredible organization in the State College Police Department with many relationships that have shaped who I am today. Having lived in Ferguson Township for 25 years and working alongside Ferguson Township officers for the last 29 years, I am excited for this opportunity to serve in the community where I reside and for an equally exceptional and professional organization.”
