Criminal Justice and Homeland Security majors can be considered for acceptance in the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission Basic Training Program (MPOETC). MPOETC has a certified Pennsylvania Police Officer Training Academy at the Allentown Police Academy, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Basic Training Course, as prescribed by Act 120, is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to begin their careers as police officers. The Act 120 course is required training for all Pennsylvania municipal police officers. The course hours and content are determined by MPOETC. Classes typically run from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but those hours are subject to modification at the discretion of MPOETC and the Allentown Police Academy. The Basic Training Course is approximately 22 weeks and is subject to modification at the discretion of MPOETC and the Allentown Police Academy.

Upon successful completion of the police academy and after passing the certification examination administered by MPOETC, an individual will be eligible for certification and will be certified when they are employed by a municipal police department. If not hired within two years, the individual must successfully pass the certification examination again to be eligible for certification.

MPOETC sets the requirements for admittance into the police academy and the curriculum, and it determines students’ successful completion of the program. The curriculum and training academics, physical fitness, defensive tactics, first aid and CPR, basic firearms, and emergency vehicle operation.  MPOETC makes the final decision concerning any individual entering the police academy.  An applicant will be notified of MPOETC’s final decision during the fall semester of his/her senior year.