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Philosophy

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.

 

Applying to the Academy

 

The application process is twofold.  Every candidate must also apply to Mercyhurst University. Please click here to navigate to the Mercyhurst Online application.

 

 

Police Academy Prerequisites

Before being accepted into the Police Academy candidates must:

  • 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.

 

Curriculum

A broad spectrum of information is presented to satisfy the educational needs of the basic patrol officer. The eighteen areas of study, as mandated by the Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission, include: Introduction to the Academy; Introduction to Pennsylvania Law Enforcement; Physical and Emotional Readiness; Human Relations; Civil and Criminal Laws and Procedures; Use of Force/Defensive Tactic; Motor Vehicle Law; Motor Vehicle Collision Investigations; Patrol Procedures and Operations; Basic Firearms; Principles of Criminal Investigation; Emergency First Responser and CPR; Operation of Patrol Vehicles; Case Presentation; Crisis Management; Families in Crisis; Report Writing; Handling Arrested Persons.

 

Graduation & PA Certification

To graduate you will be required to:

  • Successfully complete 22 exams, covering 18 modules of training, with a minimum score of 75%

To be certified 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 to be certified for employment as a police officer in Pennsylvania.

The following links will help interested persons with any questions regarding Act 120 Certification and requirements for certification:

 

Criminal History Check can be obtained online by going to the Patch application link

 

College Credits upon Completion

Upon successful successful completion of the Mercyhurst University Municipal Police Training Academy program, the cadet is eligible to receive up to a maximum of sixteen (16) Criminal Justice credits. Those credits include the following courses: 

  • CRJS 100: Intro to Special Needs Population;

  • CRJS 102: Functiona of the Criminal Justice System;

  • CRJS 103: Professional Police Relations;

  • CRJS 201: Preliminary Criminal Investigations;

  • CRJS 209: Legal Procedures;

  • CRJS 211: Constitutional Issues in Policing.

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