Police Academy (ACT 120)
At A Glance
Certificate trains cadets to serve their communities with “honor, integrity and courage.”
Police training is all done through classroom and hands-on education so graduates are well rounded in their approach to the vital work of police officers.
Graduates will continue to see employment opportunities as the field is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030.
Graduates can earn between $40,420 and $105,540, depending on experience, industry and specialization.
Available in Scranton and Hazleton.
Welcome to Police Academy-Act 120-Certificate Program
If you want to work as a police officer and serve the public, consider enrolling in Lackawanna College’s Police Academy-Act 120 certificate program. The program give students classroom and hands-on instruction so they can enter the field ready to uphold the law.
Your Career Starts Here
With the law enforcement field expected to grow by 7% over the next 10 years, police officers are needed. Graduates of Lackawanna’s Police Academy-Act 120 certificate program learn from a variety of law enforcement officials from municipal, state and federal agencies.
More About the Program
Lackawanna College’s Police Academy professional certification program trains cadets to enter law enforcement while teaching them values that reflect the college’s approach to education. Cadets who enroll in our Police Academy will participate in local and national events to honor our fallen officers. Lackawanna trainees have marched in the National Police Memorial Parade in Washington, D.C., and attended local police memorial events. Each class dedicates their training and graduation to a fallen officer of their choosing to signify the commitment they are making to their profession.
Community service is vital component of the cadet experience. Cadets are taught that the most important aspect of policing is to protect and serve others. The cadets at both the Scranton campus and Hazleton Center contribute community service hours each year to various charitable organizations. They have raised thousands of dollars for local charities benefiting children and fellow and fallen officers.
Finally, Lackawanna College offers a unique opportunity to obtain certification from its Police Academy along with an associate degree in Criminal Justice in two years. Graduates of the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Basic Training Program, commonly referred to in-state as the ACT 120 program, use their training modules as course equivalencies for a number of degree requirements. Lackawanna College is the only private college in northeastern Pennsylvania that provides this combined education.
The Course Work
In addition to the strict adherence to standardized basic police training curriculum, the Academy provides supplemental training in an active learning environment. This is all provided by a talented and diverse cadre of instructors who include active chiefs, ranking officers and patrol officers. These individuals come from municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Some of them are retired state and federal officers and practicing attorneys.
Cadets also participate in simulated weapons training, mental health first aid, child abuse and domestic violence protocol training, and a variety of other hands-on training types. This is in addition to the curriculum provided by the Municipal Police Officers Training.
Upcoming Classes
- Hazleton-November 1, 2023
Academy Schedule
Police Academy courses are approximately 7-8 months in length. Total program length may be impacted by College and federal holidays.
Class sessions are conducted five (5) weekdays, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and occasional weekends.
Additional Information
Candidates interested in enrolling in Lackawanna’s Police Academy certification program, or the Academy-Criminal Justice associate degree program, can complete an intake form now to apply.
Once your application to the College is complete, you will have to submit your Police Academy application.
Act 180/In-Service Training
All officers will be required to complete 12 hours of in-service training to maintain their ACT 120 certification. In-service training is offered at the Academy’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses as well as various locations through the commonwealth.
Departments who are not maintained in TACS, but who are permitted to take the MPOETC courses will have to pay $25.00 per officer for any of the four (4) courses for 2023.
REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MADE BY EMAIL: Registrations are to be emailed to: mistregistration@lackawanna.edu. The following information MUST be included for registration: department name, name of officer, MPOETC#, officer’s email address. Any questions are also to be directed to the above email. Phone inquiries will not be entertained as they interrupt the efficiency of the office environment. Thank you.
Training and Testing
Applicants may submit payment for ACT 120 training and testing including required reading and physical fitness tests below.