PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has announced that applications are now open for residents of the Commonwealth to become state troopers.
Applications are due on May 29 and can be submitted on the state employment website. Those interested in applying must be between 21 and 40 when they enter the academy and have a valid high school diploma or GED.
Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to the written exam. A polygraph exam, background investigation, physical readiness test and medical and psychological screening are all required before entering the four-week academy.
In 2023, the Shapiro Administration eliminated the college credit requirement for state troopers. It is reported that as a result of the requirement being lifted, PSP has seen a nearly 60% increase in applicants, with 50% of enrollees not having college credit.
In the Shapiro Administration’s proposed budget, $16.2 million is designated to support four additional cadet classes, which is about 380 new troopers.
“We are continuously looking for the best and brightest to join our PSP family and assist in our ongoing mission to keep communities safe across the Commonwealth,” Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said. “We encourage anyone interested in serving, protecting, and upholding the law to apply to be a Pennsylvania State Trooper.”
The current starting salary for troopers is $71,647 and about $96,225 after five years.
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For a full look at applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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