Virginia State Police expanding 'Pathway to Trooper' program for applicants 18 to 20
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The Virginia State Police is expanding its “Pathway to Trooper” program, offering new employment opportunities for 18 to 20-year-olds interested in becoming state troopers. The program aims to attract young adults while they wait to meet the minimum age requirement of 21 to apply for the Trooper Basic Session Academy.
The expanded program offers various positions within the Virginia State Police, including emergency dispatcher, roles in strategic planning and the Safety Division, equipment repair, assisting the Sex Offender Compliance Unit, Information Security, the Virginia Fusion Center, and the Aviation Division.
“Pathway to Trooper” participants will receive a reserved spot in an upcoming academy upon reaching eligibility and successfully completing all stages of the trooper hiring process. The program offers a $5,000 hiring bonus and the opportunity to earn an associate degree in Administration of Justice by the time of graduation from the academy.
“Pathway to Trooper allows young adults who have a goal of becoming a Virginia State Trooper to get their foot in the door early," said Interim Virginia State Police Superintendent Lt. Colonel Matt Hanley. "We're very excited to offer this unique and worthwhile employment opportunity to Virginia's youth!"
The positions are full-time, salaried, and offer full state health and retirement benefits, as well as paid vacation leave. Participants accepted into the VSP Academy will be eligible for a 10% salary increase upon completing initial training and a $5,000 retention bonus upon completing basic training.
Ten people already have been hired as emergency dispatchers as part of the initial phase of the program.
The Virginia State Police is continuously recruiting for new Academy classes. The 143rd Basic Trooper Session starts in January 2025, and the State Police are currently hiring for the 144th session, starting in June 2025.
For details about the “Pathway to Trooper” program, click here.
