The Virginia State Police is offering a first-of-its-kind employment opportunity for those interested in becoming a State Trooper, but are too young to apply.

VSP policy requires State Trooper applicants to be 21 years of age by the time they graduate the Academy. The new Virginia State Police “Pathway to Trooper” program helps those 18-20 year-olds who need to find employment while waiting to apply to the Trooper Basic Session Academy.

Under “Pathway to Trooper,” a young adult can join Virginia State Police as an emergency dispatcher in one of seven Emergency Communications Dispatch Centers. In return, State Police will reserve a spot for that individual in an upcoming academy once the young adult becomes eligible to become a State Trooper. The reservation is contingent upon the applicant completing all stages of the State Trooper hiring process.

“We are always looking at ways to get more interested, deserving applicants into the department,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virgin...