State police see an increase in applicants after waiving college education requirements

Just days after the Shapiro administration announced it would waive college education requirements for aspiring state troopers, state officials say they have seen a surge in applications. 

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro shared on “X” the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Pennsylvania State Police has received 297 applications since Monday’s announcement waiving the requirements, including 137 applicants who would not have met the previous education requirement. 

Since removing the college credit requirement two days ago, the @PAStatePolice has received 297 total applicants, including 137 who wouldn’t have met the college credit requirement.

That's 137 applicants who want to serve and now have the opportunity to apply for a position with…

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 30, 2023

“That’s 137 applicants who want to serve and now have the opportunity to apply for a position with PSP because we opened the door of opportunity for them,” Shapiro said in the post. 

The Shapiro administration also noted that fewer than 900 applicants took the introductory exam, the first hurdle applicants need to complete in the process to become a state trooper, during the last application cycle. 

“We’re pleased with the number of applications received in the short time thus far after the announcement,” a spokesperson for the state police said.