ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – There’s now a way for the younger generation to get started in a career in law enforcement to protect us here in the Commonwealth.
Virginia State Police are expanding their Pathway to Trooper Program.
“They would start at eighteen, get two years of work experience, get paid and get a $5,000 hiring bonus and then they could get their college degree and then while they’re in this pathway, it would also help to prepare them for becoming a trooper,” said Major Robert Holland.
The program was started to allow those 18 to 20 years old to get involved while waiting for the academy.
“There’s a large group of individuals that, at 18, are starting down a career path and we were missing out on that target audience and this is ability for us to then tap into that quality pool of applicants,” said Holland.
If accepted into the program, possible career choices include Emergency Dispatcher, equipment repair, assisting in the Virginia Fusion Center and more, all while spending time with troopers to gain experience.
“It’s certainly a competitive process and like anybody else, we’re looking for qualified men and women and in that characteristics, we’re looking for good communication skills, critical thinking skills, ability to problem-solve,” said Holland.
If called, being a trooper is one way to serve and protect our hometowns.
“We work in our communities and we’re here to serve and help the Commonwealth, and in all these positions that we’ve opened, all of them are a position of service,” said Holland.
If you are interested, click here.
Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.