August 28, 2023 - Hershey, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris announced that the PSP will remove the college credit requirement for Pennsylvanians who want to serve as state troopers. The previous educational requirement of 60 college credits has been in place since the 1990s, and this move will expand opportunities for individuals seeking careers as state troopers. Comprehensive and rigorous cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and includes coursework in Pennsylvania's crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness. On his first full day in office, Governor Shapiro announced that 92 percent of state government jobs - about 65,000 positions - do not require a four-year college degree. Governor Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring - and today's announcement from the PSP is the Administration's latest step to prioritize work experience and expand opportunities for workers in Pennsylvania. "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," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Our State Police Academy trains highly capable public servants who work hard to make our communities safer. Our Administration has worked to emphasize skills and experience in Commonwealth hiring practices, and now the PSP have dropped the college credit requirement for state troopers to empower those who want to serve their community and open even more doors for Pennsylvanians to chart their own course and succeed."List of Speakers:Gov Josh ShapiroCol. Christopher ParisCaptain Jamal Pratt, Director of Recruitment Services
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