A new hiring cycle for the state police started this month, opening the door for qualified women and men to train to become troopers.

If you’ve ever thought about getting into law enforcement, there are more opportunities now than ever. It’s a new year, and if finding a new path is in your plan for 2025, maybe this is something to consider.

The last hiring cycle, which ended in late November, brought in 1,467 applications in three months.

In 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro directed the state police to suspend the 60 college credit requirement for potential cadets as a measure to increase the number of qualified applicants. The last hiring cycle under the old requirements brought in 1,374 applicants over six months. The first cycle after the college credit requirement was dropped brought in 1,743 applicants in just four months.

Dropping the requirement has certainly helped the state police meet the goal of encouraging more people to apply for the academy. The first class after the dropped-requirement saw 62 new troopers graduate in December.

“I am beyond proud of this dedicated cadet class and honored to call them Pennsylvania state troopers,” state police commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said at the time. “These individuals are now part of our elite group of protectors and will aid in our ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of the Commonwealth.”

Shapiro said at the time that the decision to drop the college requirement was made to expand opportunities for individuals seeking careers as state troopers. He also pointed out that 92% of state government jobs don’t require four-year degrees. Shapiro ordered that all state agencies under his direction start emphasizing work experience in their hiring practices as another way to expand opportunities for Pennsylvania workers.

“Policing is noble profession, and this is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation. We need to show those who want to serve that this door of opportunity is open — and we want you on our team,” Shapiro said at the time.

Prospective cadets undergo 28 weeks of training. They will earn $66,911 annually upon promotion to trooper. Liquor enforcement officer trainees receive 16 weeks of training and initially earn $50,950 annually.

Cadet applications are due by March 31 and liquor enforcement trainee applications are due by April 30 via the Commonwealth’s employment website.

— KL