Virginia State Police and Liberty University launch innovative law enforcement training partnership

Virginia State Police and Liberty University’s Helms School of Government have launched a novel partnership that will provide a unique pathway for criminal justice students to complete their degree while launching their careers in law enforcement.

Under this new program, eligible Liberty University criminal justice majors in their final semester will be able to attend the Virginia State Police Basic Trooper School. Upon successful completion of the academy and transfer of 12–15 credit hours, students will graduate from Liberty University as Virginia State Troopers.

“This program represents a significant step forward in bridging academic learning with real-world application,” said Dr. Jason Bohm, Dean of the Helms School of Government. “It benefits our students, strengthens Liberty’s mission, and contributes meaningfully to public safety across the Commonwealth.”

The program is designed in full alignment with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards. Students will undergo the complete VSP application and background process, including rigorous physical and academic testing, as VSP recruits.

Virginia State Police Superintendent, Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This partnership creates a strong talent pipeline, allowing us to invest in future troopers who are already committed to the field of criminal justice and have demonstrated excellence in their academic careers.”

Liberty University faculty will support students throughout the application process and remain in contact with VSP training staff throughout the Basic Trooper School. Academic credit will be awarded based on successful completion of the program and formal documentation submitted by VSP.

Liberty University, along with the Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia State Police, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 2^nd in celebration of the new initiative.