Virginia State Police Sees Major Growth in Recruitment
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is experiencing a significant boost in its recruitment efforts, which has led to an increase in the number of troopers available to serve and protect the public. This growth comes after a challenging period that lasted from January 2020 to September 2024, during which VSP faced difficulties in attracting new candidates.
During this time, the agency reported over 350 vacancies, which posed a challenge for maintaining adequate staffing levels. However, a new partnership with Epic Recruiting has helped turn the tide. In the fall of 2024, VSP launched a focused outreach campaign, utilizing various methods such as advertisements and social media to attract more applicants.
This strategy has yielded impressive results. The agency recently graduated its largest class of recruits since 2018, with nearly 100 individuals joining the ranks of the Virginia State Police. First Sergeant Jamell Johnson, speaking to ABC13, emphasized the importance of this growth in enhancing public safety.
“The more troopers we’re able to get, as an agency, gives us the opportunity to better perform our jobs as troopers. We can get out to scenes faster and reduce our response times, ultimately making the Commonwealth a safer place,” Johnson said.
Recruitment Metrics Show Strong Improvement
Since implementing these new initiatives, VSP has seen a dramatic increase in applications. Here are some key statistics:
- Recruitment Goal: To achieve two basic schools per year with 80 recruits each.
- Need to average 167 applications per month.
- Need to receive 2,000 applications per year.
Prior to Initiatives (January 2020 – September 2024):
– Averaged 120 applications per month.
– Averaged 1,350 applications per year.
– Average Basic School size: 53.
– Resulted in over 350 vacancies.
Since Implementation of Initiatives (October 2024 – June 2025):
– Averaged 170 applications per month.
– On pace to hit over 2,200 applications for 2025.
– Applications are up 56% compared to the same period last year.
– 144th Basic School: 110 conditional offers for employment were given, and 99 started the basic school — the largest class since 2018.
– 115% increase over the 143rd Basic School.
These improvements have not only increased the number of recruits but also enhanced the agency’s ability to meet its operational needs. Johnson expressed optimism about the future, stating that the positive trend is expected to continue.
New Resources Enhance Operational Capabilities
In addition to the recruitment success, VSP has also expanded its fleet with the addition of seven new Mustangs. These vehicles are distributed across the seven main divisions throughout the Commonwealth. Johnson explained that these cars serve multiple purposes, including traffic enforcement, crash investigations, and daily activities conducted by state troopers.
“These Mustangs are not only valuable for VSP but also for our communities. They help us conduct our duties more effectively and serve as an excellent recruitment tool,” Johnson said.
Despite the progress made, Johnson acknowledged that there is still work to be done. “We hope that the trend continues to increase. We want to bring down the number of shortages, but the work isn’t over yet. We’re still out there seeking and recruiting highly qualified applicants who are willing and able to join us,” he added.
With continued efforts and a strong pipeline of candidates, the Virginia State Police is well-positioned to maintain and improve its service to the public.
