Title: State Police Trooper I

State Role Title: Law Enforcement Officer I

Hiring Range: Minimum of $60,000 annual salary.  This salary will increase to $62,100 effective August 16, 2026!

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of State Police

Location: Chesterfield

Agency Website: https://www.vatrooper.com 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

 Join the Virginia State Police – 147th Trooper Basic Session Begins January 25, 2027!

Are you ready to serve and protect Virginia with honor and dedication? The Virginia State Police is now accepting applications for the 147th Trooper Basic Session. This exciting opportunity starts on January 25, 2027.

Step into a career where purpose meets professionalism. The Virginia State Police exists to safeguard life, support vulnerable communities, and strengthen safety across Virginia through trust, partnership, and strategic presence. Built on integrity, accountability, and service, the Virginia State Police is seeking selfless, engaged, and aware individuals from all backgrounds who are ready to rise to that standard. Whether you’re starting fresh or bringing experience, the 147th Trooper Basic Session offers a clear path: exceptional training, mentorship, wellness support, career progression, and pathways to specialize and advance. This isn’t just a job, it’s a commitment to excellence, a culture that develops you, and a mission that matters. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, serve with honor, and build a future defined by impact, your path starts here.

Job Duties

The Virginia State Police is recruiting qualified applicants who want to promote highway safety, serve and protect their community, increase community involvement and partnership, keep Virginia safe by enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth, and attend one of the finest Law Enforcement Training Academies in the United States. We are actively seeking professional individuals with a desire to represent and serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Qualified applicants accepted into the 147^th Trooper Basic Session will be compensated at $62,100 annually. Upon graduation, Troopers will be supplied with a take home patrol vehicle, all equipment, and uniforms. Troopers who are assigned to and living in the Northern Virginia Area shall be compensated $77,594 annually after graduation. Successful completion of the Academy will afford Troopers accredited college credit hours that can be transferred to an institution of higher learning for completion of a degree program.

Upon successful completion of the probationary period, Troopers will have their salary increased by 10%, and with tenure, will be added to the Career Progression Program.

ANY APPLICANT THAT IS A VIRGINIA CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAY QUALIFY FOR A REDUCED 8-WEEK CURRICULUM AND TRAINING SCHEDULE. APPLICANTS ACCEPTED INTO THE ACCELERATED ACADEMY WILL BE COMPENSATED $66,758 ANNUALLY OR $83,414 ANNUALLY IF ASSIGNED TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WITH ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR QUALIFIED PRIOR DCJS CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT PATROL EXPERIENCE, UP TO FIVE YEARS. NO RESTRICTIONS ON ASSIGNMENT TO FORMER HOME COUNTY/CITY. YOU MUST PROVIDE UP TO THREE JURISDICTIONS WHERE YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT ASSIGNMENT OR INDICATE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO BE ASSIGNED ANYWHERE IN VIRGINIA. PLEASE CONTACT A RECRUITER AT WWW.VATROOPER.COM FOR DETAILS.

Minimum Qualifications

Please note: All contact will be through e-mail. Please check your spam e-mail as needed.

The minimum qualifications for a Virginia State Police Trooper:

• must be at least 21 years of age on date of graduation;

• must be a high school graduate or have a GED;

• must be a United States citizen on day of testing;

• must be in possession of a valid driver’s license;

• must be willing to travel at your own expense to the Virginia State Police Headquarters located at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 to complete the Work Performance Test (WPT) during Phase I, to complete a medical examination during Phase III, and while in a training status;

• must successfully pass all Phase I pre-employment testing to include the WPT and a written examination administered by the National Testing Network (NTN);

• must successfully complete a polygraph examination and pass a background investigation to complete Phase II;

• must successfully complete a medical examination and a psychological evaluation to complete Phase III;

• weight must be in proportion to height on date of hire;

• must be willing to relocate anywhere in the state based on Department needs;

• must be willing to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends; and

• must be in compliance with the Department’s tattoo and body modification policies.

The anticipated duration of this process is determined by the successful completion of the above items and Training Academy scheduling; however, successful completion of all three phases does not guarantee employment.

Additional Considerations

*A demonstrated commitment to community service.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your Page Up account to check the status of your application for this position.

A WORK PERFORMANCE TEST, WRITTEN EXAMINATION, POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION, BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, MEDICAL EXAMINATION, AND A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION SHALL BE REQUIRED.  

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS CAN BE FOUND ON www.vatrooper.com.

Applications, cover letters and/or resumes shall only be accepted on-line through the PageUp recruitment management system at https://jobs.virginia.gov. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page. Any additional attachments received in excess of this will not be considered.

It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

This policy shall be adhered to in all aspects of Departmental employment practices. It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Contact Information:

Name: Sworn Recruitment Unit

Phone: 804-674-2075

Division 1 Richmond: recruiter.division1@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 2 Culpeper: recruiter.division2@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 3 Appomattox: recruiter.division3@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 4 Wythe: recruiter.division4@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 5 Chesapeake: recruiter.division5@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 6 Salem: recruiter.division6@vsp.virginia.gov

Division 7 Fairfax: recruiter.division7@vsp.virginia.gov

Employment: swornemployment@vsp.virginia.gov