RICHMOND – As part of an ongoing effort to increase the number of prospective Virginia State Troopers in the Academy, and out on Virginia’s roads, Virginia State Police has unveiled a new recruitment website and new dedicated recruitment social media. The site and social media went “live” Sept. 16, 2024, and are aiming to attract recruits willing to “Rise Above” and join the ranks of the Virginia State Police.
The website, vatrooper.com, is a stylized, upgraded website with high-definition digital graphics. It also maximizes video and marketing tactics with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of people that engage in the hiring process and go on to become Virginia State Troopers. Importantly, the site is also mobile friendly. It also provides information to recruits about a career as a state trooper. The site details how to become a trooper, how to prepare for life at the State Police Academy, a rundown of a “Day in the Life of a Trainee,” and the specialty options available to Troopers once they have moved into their careers.
“We are looking to recruit the next generation of Virginia State Troopers, and to be successful, we know we must engage them online,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “It is special to earn the title of ‘State Trooper,’ a title synonymous with our commitment to excellence, dedication to service, and our standard for professionalism.”
Like many law enforcement agencies, Virginia State Police has experienced smaller Basic Session Academy classes sizes in recent years. Currently, the department has over 300 vacancies in its sworn positions. Attracting larger class sizes is part of the effort to close the vacancy gap.
“The safety and security of Virginians is my top priority,” said The Honorable Glenn A. Youngkin, 74th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. “We need more state troopers on the streets, and these efforts will help State Police close the gap, and further our mission make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The website and social media were designed in conjunction with the production and online video marketing company EPIC Productions. EPIC is a leading law enforcement recruiting agency in the United States and has demonstrated success with other agencies across the nation.
“This new website is cutting edge and is representative of the technology we are bringing to law enforcement in the Commonwealth”. said Terrance C. Cole, Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. “This new website and social media marketing campaign is just a part of our effort to display the opportunities available to those willing to step forward and join us in protecting the Commonwealth.”
Currently, the 39 members of the 142nd Basic Session are undergoing training at the State Police Academy in North Chesterfield. These men and women will be joined by a second cohort of DCJS Certified Officers in November of this year. The 142nd Basic Session (Cohorts A & B) is scheduled to graduate on Feb. 7, 2024. The 143rd Basic Session will begin their 28-week training at the Academy on Jan. 27, 2025.
The handles for the recruitment social media are @joinvirginiastatepolice (Instagram), @JoinVirginiaStatePolice (Facebook), and @JoinVirginiaStatePolice (YouTube).
