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The Virginia State Police (VSP) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address recruiting challenges faced by law enforcement agencies across the state.
The Path to Soldiers program targets young people ages 18 to 20 who aspire to become state troopers but are currently ineligible due to age restrictions.
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older when graduating from the Academy. The statewide agency told Potomac Local that the Soldier’s Path program recognizes the potential of young candidates and provides solutions by providing job opportunities within the department while these individuals wait to qualify for Soldier training.
Under the program, young people can join VSP as emergency dispatchers stationed at one of the department’s seven emergency communications dispatch centers across the country. In exchange for their service, VSP will reserve a spot for these individuals in an upcoming academy class, subject to their completion of all necessary stages of the State Police recruiting process.
Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary T. Settle expressed enthusiasm for the program, saying, “We are always looking for ways to attract more interested and deserving applicants to the department.” “The Road” allows young people… to get their foot in the door early and learn about the department while waiting for their chance at the academy.”
In Northern Virginia, soldiers in the academy start at $70,640.
Participants in the “Pathway to Trooper” program will receive a $5,000 hiring bonus when joining as an emergency dispatcher. Additionally, this full-time, salaried position offers state health and retirement benefits and paid time off.
Upon acceptance into the VSP Academy, program participants will be eligible for further incentives, including a 10% salary increase after completing initial training and a $5,000 retention bonus after basic training.
The program comes as VSP ramps up recruitment efforts. The agency has about 300 sworn job openings across the state.
“The vacancies are being felt in all regions of the department. To minimize the impact, we are doing our best to assign academy graduates to the regional offices where they are most needed,” Geller said.
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