1929: Members of the State Police policed two major prison riots at Auburn State Prison in July and December of 1929. In both situations, a handful of Troopers were gathered from points around the state and ended the disturbance without injury to any innocent person. During the second riot in December, Troopers rescued Warden Edger S. Jennings, who was held hostage. These incidents proved how quick the new force was able to come together to address a major incident and solidified the need for such a state wide police agency.