New agreement between State Police and Radford accelerates start of professional career

Radford University has become the first public university to partner with the Virginia State Police in a program that will accelerate work experience for seniors in their criminal justice program.

A report from the school says students will apply to the State Police and have their background check completed in the first semester, then, if approved, attend the state police academy in the second semester to obtain a 15-hour credit.

An agency spokesperson says it will cut the time from graduation to active duty to days instead of weeks for new recruits.

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