Applications to join the state police have increased since removing the requirement of a college degree from the recruitment process last month, according to officials.

Since the announcement Aug. 28, state police announced that 1,217 people have applied for the police academy. Of that number, 524 applicants had only a high school diploma or equivalent degree so wouldn’t have been eligible under the former requirements.

According to Lt. Adam Reed, state police spokesperson out of the Harrisburg office, local barracks will see the effects of the increased applications.

“We hope that each area of Pa., including Troop D, will see the benefits of the change. That means a wider pool of qualified applicants from all areas that can go back to their Troops and make great Troopers,” he said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said they door should be open for those who want to serve.

“We're empowering Pennsylvanians who want to serve their community, and I'm proud of the individuals who have applied to become troopers following our announcement dropping the college credit requirement,” he said.

Though the requirement for a college degree has been dropped, state police still require applicants to have a valid driver’s license, be 20 years old when they apply, and be at least 21 years old upon entry into the training academy.

Eligible applicants then are subject to a written exam, according to officials, as well as polygraph and background checks, medical and psychological examinations, and a physical readiness test.

Reed said their first group of applicants will begin training in 2024.

“Gov. Shapiro has provided us funding in the budget for 384 new cadets over the next fiscal year. Those cadets will be hired with this requirement change in effect,” he said. “We strive to find individuals who want to make a difference in their communities while being part of something bigger than themselves.”

Those attending the academy will train for 28 weeks in Hershey.

“We believe our training academy is the best in the country. It prepares cadets to become troopers by giving them the mental and physical know-how to have a successful career,” Reed said.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said he is pleased to see the number of applications rising.

“It's my hope that even more of the brightest and most hardworking women and men from Pennsylvania and the surrounding area will see themselves in a rewarding career with the PSP,” he said.