Municipal Police Officers' Basic Training
As required by Act 120 and governed by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education
and Training Commission (MPOETC).
Tuition and requirements
$ 2,737.00 (Subject to
change)
This course is mandatory
for municipal police officers hired after June 18, 1974. The employing political subdivision must
apply to MPOETC for approval of attendance for their officer. This is accomplished on an Application for
Certification under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training
Program or Waiver of Training, Form SP 8-300. Classes are offered in highway
safety, accident investigation, public safety, crime prevention, social
science, physical training, interagency relationships, and other police skills.
The program consists of classroom lectures, practical applications,
demonstrations, and role-playing in problem-solving techniques. A trainee must
attain a passing score in all phases of the basic course, as required.
MPOETC has implemented regulations which require all students entering the
program to:
Demonstrate their ability to perform at
the 30th percentile of the fitness protocol (found at www.mpoetc.pa.gov) established by the
Cooper Institute and adopted by the MPOETC as entry and exit standards for
fitness in the Basic Recruit Training Program.
Demonstrate
their ability to read at a ninth grade level as determined by the Nelson Denny
Reading Test. The fitness tests and Nelson Denny Reading Test may be
administered by either the hiring municipality or the police academy.
The Pennsylvania State
Police will administer these selection tests if course applicants have not met
requirements prior to enrollment.
Applicants will be advised
of required equipment and clothing needed prior to or at their first class.
Each Act 120 class will
require a minimum of 10 students. The maximum number of students per class is
30. Municipal department representatives should contact the appropriate
training center for meal and lodging information.