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State Police Academy sees jump in cadet applications after Shapiro administration removes college credit requirement

In the one month since the requirement was removed, 1,217 people have applied at the State Police Academy. In the previous 6 months, there were a total of 1,745.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Note: The video is from August 28.

The Pennsylvania State Police Academy has seen a jump in the number of cadet applications since the Shapiro administration removed college credit requirements for trooper positions a month ago, the academy said this week.

A total of 1,217 applicants have applied for the Academy since the college credit requirements were removed, State Police said.

In comparison, there were a total of 1,745 applications received during the previous hiring cycle, which was open for a full six months, according to State Police.

Of the 1,217 new applications, 524 were from applicants who hold a high school diploma or equivalency, State Police said. Those applicants would not have been eligible under the old policy, according to State Police.

“We’re empowering Pennsylvanians who want to serve their community, and I’m proud of the individuals who have applied to become troopers following our announcement dropping the college credit requirement," said Shapiro. "Policing is a noble profession, and the Pennsylvania State Police is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation. 

"Our State Police Academy trains highly capable public servants who work hard to make our communities safer. For those who want to serve, this door of opportunity is open – and we want you on our team.”

State Police Commissionr Col. Christopher Paris said he was pleased to see the jump in applicants.

"It’s my hope that even more of the brightest and most hard-working women and men from Pennsylvania and the surrounding area will see themselves in a rewarding a career with the PSP," he said.

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.

Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the qualifying exam must have a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.

Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and is paramilitary in nature. The training includes coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities.

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

Shapiro, on his first full day in office, announced that 92 percent of state government jobs - about 65,000 positions - do not require a four-year college degree. Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring.

For more information on becoming a Pennsylvania State Police trooper or to apply, visit patrooper.com.

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