HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Sept. 29.
Pennsylvania State Police today announced that it has seen a 240% increase in applications since removing the college credit requirement for troopers-to-be.
Of the new applicants, 659 had just a high school diploma or equivalent and would not previously have been eligible to serve.
“We eliminated the college credit requirement on a trial basis for this period of cadet applications to expand opportunities for a rewarding career as a state trooper,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the State Police. “This will help us attract quality talent for the comprehensive and rigorous training that prepares cadets for a place among our ranks.”
The PSP says it received a total of 1,545 eligible applications for the Academy since college credit requirements were removed on Aug. 28. In comparison, 1,374 eligible applications were received during the previous hiring cycle, which was open for a full six months. During this current cycle, PSP received an average of 779 eligible applications per month, compared to only 229 eligible applications during the previous cycle – representing a 240% increase.
Officials say the change in the college credit requirement will be reevaluated after several cycles of applications.
Cadet applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.