Pennsylvania State Police Launch New Trooper Hiring Cycle

Shapiro administration boosts funding for expanded cadet classes to train over 1,000 new troopers

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigative nature of law enforcement.The Pennsylvania State Police's new hiring push aims to bolster the ranks of state troopers and address staffing challenges faced by municipal departments.Harrisburg Today

The Pennsylvania State Police has opened a new selection cycle for individuals interested in becoming state troopers. The Shapiro administration's proposed budget includes a $16.2 million investment to support four additional cadet classes, which could train approximately 380 new troopers. Since the elimination of the college credit requirement in 2023, PSP has seen a nearly 60% increase in applications, with about half of recent academy graduates not qualifying under the previous requirements.

Why it matters

The expansion of the Pennsylvania State Police force is part of the Shapiro administration's broader efforts to invest in public safety and law enforcement across the Commonwealth. The increased funding and recruitment drive aims to bolster the ranks of state troopers and help address staffing challenges faced by municipal police departments.

The details

Applicants for the state trooper positions must submit their applications through the Commonwealth's employment website by May 29, 2026. Eligible candidates will then go through a selection process that includes a written exam, polygraph test, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological evaluation. Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and covers topics such as Pennsylvania law, physical fitness, and training in vehicles, firearms, and equipment.

  • The new selection cycle for state trooper positions opened on April 3, 2026.
  • Applications must be submitted by May 29, 2026.
  • The Shapiro administration's proposed 2026-27 budget includes a $16.2 million investment to support four additional cadet classes.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania, who has secured funding for 12 cadet classes aimed at training more than 1,000 new troopers since taking office.

Lt. Col. George Bivens

The Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, who stated that the department is continuously looking for the best and brightest to join their force and assist in their mission to keep communities safe across the Commonwealth.

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What they’re saying

“We are continuously looking for the best and brightest to join our PSP family and assist in our ongoing mission to keep communities safe across the Commonwealth.”

— Lt. Col. George Bivens, Acting Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police

What’s next

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will move on to the next stage of the selection process, which includes a written examination, polygraph test, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological evaluation.

The takeaway

The Pennsylvania State Police's new hiring cycle and the Shapiro administration's investment in expanding the force demonstrate a commitment to strengthening public safety and law enforcement across the Commonwealth. The elimination of the college credit requirement has also opened the door for a more diverse pool of applicants, reflecting the department's efforts to attract the best and brightest to serve their communities.