X101 News recently spoke over the phone with Major Jeffery VanAuken, Troop C Commander and Trooper Lauren Warner, Troop C Recruiter, on the New York State Police’s ongoing recruitment effort. The State Police had announced recent changes in their recruitment policy by increasing the age limit, and increasing diversity.
Recently, the New York State Police have raised the maximum age to apply for those interested in becoming a Trooper from 29 to 34.
“If you’re a military individual, with seven years or more of active duty. We’ve actually extended that for them up to 42 years of age, which is significant.” Major VanAuken said to X101 on the age limit for Veterans.
Major VanAuken continued on though about the concept some may have that the State Police is associated as a Highway Patrol. He continued on to say the State Police is a full service police department, being the 8th largest in the nation.
The New York State Police have specialized units including the equivalent of SWAT called SORT (Special Operations Response Team), the Underwater Recovery Team, ATV Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, Bomb Disposal Unit, Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT), and more.
“We really want to recruit local, Troop C individuals that’s from the 7 counties. We [serve] Broome, Tioga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, and Delaware counties.” Major VanAuken said to X101 News on wanting those who live locally, to become a Trooper.
On top of raising the maximum age for applicants, the State Police have also updated their tattoo policy.
“You can have tattoos if you have them on the lower half of your arm.” Said Troop C Recruiter, Lauren Warner. “You do need to wear a long sleeve shirt [while] on duty.”
Another goal of the State Police is to increase the number of women in the force with the State Police taking the 30X30 pledge, which is a commitment to increase the percentage of female recruits by 30% by 2030.
Starting salary for Troopers is $59,612 and after one year, increases to $84,331 and includes full benefits and retirement. For those interested in taking the exam, minimum qualifications include: being a US citizen, between the ages of 20-34, the age is extended for one year for each year of full-time active military duty up to 7 years, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
More information on learning how to become a New York State Trooper and to sign up for the exam, visit JoinStatePolice.NY.Gov. You may also contact New York State Police Troop C Recruiter, Lauren Warner at 607-561-7487.
You can listen to our full interview below:
