In an effort to bolster its pool of applicants, New York state is expanding its eligibility for the state police force. It comes as law enforcement agencies across the country struggle to fill their ranks.

If you’re considering a career as a New York state trooper, you’ll now have until the age of 34 to make a decision. State police leaders believe this will help ensure a more diverse and skilled force.

“I can tell you that this is a great career,” said New York State Police Technical Sergeant and Recruiter Rhania Traore.

Some may call it a thankless job. It’s certainly a dangerous one, but Traore said being a law enforcement officer can be rewarding.

She joined New York State Police about seven years ago after serving with the Army National Guard.

“I lived in West Africa, so there was civil war during my childhood and the reason my family and I were not casualties was because of the military and law enforcement,” she said. “So I was always inspired as a child.”

After a stint in the city, Traore moved north and worked as a training officer at the academy in Albany. She now works in the recruitment office.

“A lot of candidates have lost interest in law enforcement, I feel, mostly because all they see or what they think is policing is about pulling people over and writing tickets. But it is way more than that,” she said. “It is about helping people.”

Traore is excited the state is raising the maximum age to apply from 29. She believes it casts a wider net and will attract a unique group of people who may be looking for a career change.

“Especially, when it comes to the military,” she said. “Individuals who are veterans or are currently serving, sometimes they’ve aged out.”

You must be at least 20 to apply, be a U.S. citizen, have earned a high school diploma and the completion of an entrance exam. Then, it’s off to the academy.

“There are many exams they have to pass that is based on the vehicle and traffic law, the penal law, the criminal procedural law, and they stay here for six months,” she explained.

The state is also doubling its classes to four, and recently modified its tattoo policy, which may sound minuscule but expands eligibility even more.

“In the past, the tattoo couldn’t be visible from the elbow down,” Traore said. “But now you can conceal those tattoos with a long-sleeved shirt.”

Traore said the initiatives will go a long way in helping her recruit future generations of New York state troopers.

“I get to speak to people of different background and just introducing them to the agency I’ve worked for seven years,” she said. “It’s been a great experience.”

State police is accepting applications and offering the entrance through September. If you’re interested, check out joinstatepolice.ny.gov.