The Criminal Justice Training Center / IUP Police Academy is a multifaceted training center offering several training courses related to the criminal justice system. The CJTC was established in 1975 and has certified thousands of police officers in Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the Criminal Justice Training Program, including course information and how to apply.

The center is certified by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission to provide the Act 120 Basic Municipal Police Officers’ Training Program. There are three active academy locations: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn-West/California University of Pennsylvania, and Robert Morris University (part-time only). Over 90 percent of graduates are hired as officers in cities, boroughs, townships, and municipalities in Pennsylvania.

As part of the College of Health and Human Services, the Criminal Justice Training Center offers 15 college credits for graduates of the Act 120 program. These free elective credits are available for transfer based on academic department approval.

Check our Current Academy Schedule to see when you can start the application process for any of our three academy locations.

To request an application, follow the steps below to make payment and print the application packet:

  1. On the IUP Criminal Justice Training Center home page, click on Training Programs.

  2. Then click on Act 120 Municipal Police Academy.

  3. Then Application Process.

  4. Click on Criminal Justice Training Center Marketplace.

  5. Pay your $30 application fee with a credit card. Make sure you click on the link for the academy you want to apply to (full-time or part-time). More info on these academies can be found on Current Academy Schedules.

  6. Now, to obtain your application packet, go back to the "Application Process" page.

  7. Click on Application packet to print the packet.

  8. Complete all forms in the packet: Application page, Physical Exam form (to include five-panel drug test).

  9. Submit your completed application by either emailing it to dkarcher@iup.edu or mailing it to the CJTC office address.

You will then be contacted to schedule your entrance testing.

Any questions, feel free to email dkarcher@iup.edu or call 724-357-6943.

IUP's Criminal Justice Training Center offers training programs for police recruits and law enforcement personnel. The training center:

  • Prepares students for entry into the law enforcement field

  • Serves federal/military law enforcement students eligible for the Act 165 Partial Waiver Training Program

  • Provides in-service training to enhance the skills of current law enforcement personnel

  • Provides initial preparation for mandatory re-certification in lethal weapons training for security personnel

  • Prepares individuals for certification and annual re-certification as Pennsylvania State Constables

Become a Police Officer

The CJTC offers Act 120: Municipal Police Academy certification programs at two locations: the IUP main campus, and Robert Morris University. With a mix of full- and part-time options, you can get your certification when it fits your schedule. Check the Current Academy Schedules to see when the program is offered at each location.

Get In-Service Training

From mandatory trainings for current Pennsylvania police officers to voluntary training and specialized training programs, the CJTC offers a number of options. Visit Act 180: Mandatory In-Service and Police Pre-Service and In-Service Training Programs for course offerings and dates.

Training Programs

How to Apply or Request Information

Learn how you can request an application for the Act 120 training.

Accreditation Public Comment Portal

The purpose of this public comment portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.

Events

News

Criminal Justice Adjunct Faculty Receives Prestigious Award

James Hoyland, a corporal for the New Castle Police Department, has been chosen as the state’s Sergeant Mike Hayes School Resource Officer of the Year for 2022.

Criminal Justice Training Center Offers Principled Criminal Justice and Police Legitimacy Class February 19

The IUP Criminal Justice Training Center will present their newest class,  “Principled Criminal Justice and Police Legitimacy,” on Friday, February 19, 2021, in Sharpsburg, PA.

Criminal Justice Training Center Urgent Update, March 24

Requests for police academy application packets are moving to online.  Paper requests are no longer being accepted at this time.