Municipal Police Academy
In today’s law enforcement community, we find an ever-increasing trend toward true professionalism. This trend is mandated by our society’s concern for a reliable and effective system of criminal justice that uses alternatives to crude and simple physical force. Today’s society will not allow the law enforcement community to return to an era of limited education for police officers.
The officer must be democratically oriented and mindful of the dignity of every citizen. He/she must also be knowledgeable in the technical and legal aspects of this occupation. The Municipal Police Officers’ Training Academy (MPOTA) exists to provide the police officer with quality training, motivation and a positive philosophy of understanding about our society and its value systems. This academy is committed to continue this trend toward professionalism in its training programs so the officer can function in the community as an important member of the law enforcement team.
This full-time, 940 plus hour intensive course satisfies the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officer’s Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) minimum training requirements for Pennsylvania entry-level law enforcement officers.
The course typically meets Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m, is approximately five months in duration and is designed for aspiring peace officer recruits who can dedicate their full attention and efforts towards completing the program. The full-time intensive Academy requires a strong commitment by the recruits and their families. Upon completion the student can typically apply to police agencies.
The Basic Police Academy course includes fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Handling Emotional Situations and First Aid/CPR.
The course also includes a challenging physical conditioning requirement that will prepare academy students for police service.
Admissions Requirements
Every candidate must also apply to Mercyhurst University using our free online application.
Before being accepted into the Police Academy candidates must:
- Complete the online Police Academy application.
- Attend an Information Session.
- Complete university registration.
- Provide a physical examination form completed by a doctor certifying that they meet the physical requirements mandated by the MPOETC.
- Complete and pass a Pre-Entry Psychological and Reading Exam. Candidates must have a 9th grade minimum reading / comprehension level.
- Complete and pass a Pre-Entry Physical Abilities Assessment.
- Provide a Criminal History and Driving History meeting the requirements required by MPOETC.
- Pay tuition in full or make arrangements for financial aid with the university.
- Provide all necessary paperwork and complete all testing as described in the entry-level application before you can be accepted into the academy.
NOTE: All applicants must complete and return the Physical Examination Form included with the application and pay the application fee before they will be permitted to take the pre-entry testing. Applicants will be notified at the information sessions of available testing dates.
Testing is facilitated for the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Police Testing Consortium.
- Demonstrate basic skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system
- Demonstrate exemplary written and communication interpersonal skills
- Evaluate and apply basic knowledge of legal aspects of police operations
- Demonstrate exemplary problem solving skills
- Understand and demonstrate good investigative technique
- Understand the differences and work effectively with diverse populations
- Exhibit good situational awareness and judgement
- Demonstrate the ability to correctly articulate high stress events
- Demonstrate physical fitness, stamina, and fine motor skills related to the profession
- MUNP 101: Introduction to the Police Academy (1 credit)
- MUNP 104: Physical and Emotional Readiness (1 credit)
- MUNP 107: Laws and Procedures (4 credits)
- MUNP 110: Patrol Procedures and Operations (3 credits)
- MUNP 115: Criminal Investigations (3 credits)
- MUNP 120: Topics in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- MUNP 125: Mechanics of Arrest (1 credit)
- MUNP 130: Vehicle Operations and Procedures (1 credit)
- MUNP 135: First Aid and CPR (1 credit)
- MUNP 140: Tactical Self Defense (4 credits)
To graduate you will be required to successfully complete numerous exams, covering 4 modules of training, with a minimum score of 80%.
To be certified for employment as a police officer in Pennsylvania, you will be required to pass a certification exam administered by MPOETC officials after being hired as a police officer. Visit the MPOETC website for more information.
Upon successful completion of the Mercyhurst University Municipal Police Training Academy program, the cadet is eligible to receive up to a maximum of 15 Criminal Justice credits. Those credits include the following courses:
Police Academy
Bill Hale
Program Director, Municipal Police Academy
Aaron Jackson
Enrollment Coordinator
Meet the Faculty
Municipal Police Academy
Maria Garase
Interim Dean, The School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics; Dean, The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences; Associate Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
