The local Municipal Police Academy (MPS 0011) is a part of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The College’s Police Academy is a certified unit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (Act 120).
The Police Academy training program is approximately nine and a half months. Classes are Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 PM, including several weekends.
Academy graduates earn:
- Act 120 certification (enables the graduate to test for a Commonwealth Municipal Police Training (MPT) number required of all municipal police officers in Pennsylvania).
- a certificate in Criminal Justice (18 credits).
- Eligibility for a waiver for Act 235, armed security guard.
Applications are now being accepted for our next cadet class. Contact the Police Academy at 814-262-6443 for details.
Program Hours: 919
Program Length: 9.5 months
Tuition: $6,500
Uniforms: $180
Location: Richland Campus
Contact: Email Us
Areas of Training
- Laws of arrest
- Search and seizure
- Use of force
- Criminal law and investigations
- Defensive tactics
- Vehicle code enforcement
- Interview and interrogation
- Ethics
- Patrol procedures
- Crisis management
- Basic handgun, shotgun and patrol rifle course
- Operation of patrol vehicles
- Report writing
- First aid and CPR
- Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT)
Physical Agility Test & Other Requirements
Prior to enrollment in the Police Academy, all cadet applicants must successfully complete all MPOETC requirements:
- Physical Agility
- Reading evaluation
- Psychological evaluation
- Physical exam
- Vision test
- Drug panel screen
The Physical Agility Assessment is step 1. Review the current Cooper’s Standard below to determine your requirements.
Male Standards
| Event | Age 18-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-59 | Age 60+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups ( 1 minute - reps) | 35 | 32 | 27 | 21 | 17 |
| 300-meter run (time in seconds) | 62.1 | 63 | 77 | 87 | 87 |
| Push-ups (1 minute - reps) | 26 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 8 |
| 1.5 mile run (time) | 13:16 | 13:46 | 14:34 | 15:58 | 17:38 |
Female Standards
| Event | Age 18-29 | Age 30-39 | Age 40-49 | Age 50-59 | Age 60+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups ( 1 minute - reps) | 30 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 4 |
| 300-meter run (time in seconds) | 75 | 82 | 106.7 | 106.7 | 106.7 |
| Push-ups (1 minute - reps) | 13 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 1.5 mile run (time) | 15:52 | 16:38 | 17:22 | 18:59 | 21:20 |
Applicants should dress in athletic clothing and appropriate athletic footwear. All applicants must bring a state issued DL or ID. This test will be outdoors, you may bring rain gear, sunscreen, sweatshirts/pants, and/or other comfortable clothing. You may also bring water or another hydration source with you.
Directions: From Schoolhouse Road, turn onto Highfield Avenue. Turn left onto Kunks Drive and follow until you can go no further. Turn left and cross a single-lane bridge. The track will be on your right.
To register for a physical agility test or to learn more, please contact the Police Academy at 814.262.6443 or by email.
Police Academy To Criminal Justice
Successful completion of the Penn Highlands Police Academy (ACT 120) will earn cadets 24 credits and a Criminal Justice certificate. By completing the Police Academy, you are well on your way to earning an associate degree. The Police Academy can substitute for the following courses:
- CRJ 110: Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CRJ 115: Ethics in Criminal Justice
- CRJ 120: Criminal Justice Report Writing & Interviewing
- CRJ 150: Juvenile Justice
- CRJ 175: Constitutional Law
- CRJ 215: Criminal Law and Procedure
- CRJ 235: Criminal Investigation and Policing
- CRJ 295: Criminal Justice Internship
Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award
The Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award, established by Catherine Rager and the James Mock family, honors an exceptional cadet annually during graduation for each cadet class. This award celebrates outstanding performance and unwavering commitment demonstrated during their training, recognizing their dedication to excellence in law enforcement.
To be eligible for this award, the cadet must:
- Be enrolled in the Police Academy.
- Meet the rigorous requirements of the program.
- Demonstrate top academic performance.
- Demonstrate improvement throughout the training program.
- Demonstrate leadership.
Cadet To Career Sponsorship Program
Somerset County offers a unique opportunity through the Cadet To Career Sponsorship Program. This initiative enables students from our Police Academy to have their tuition fees (up to $6,500) reimbursed by Somerset County, PA. The reimbursement is granted once the cadet graduates, secures employment, and commits to a minimum of two years of service.
To learn more, please contact Somerset County Human Resources at 814.445.1409 or online at co.somerset.pa.us.
MPOETC CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
- 25-001 Legal Updates (Required course – 3 hours) morning of first day
- 25-002 Law Enforcement Response To Homeless Persons (Required course – 3 hours) afternoon of the first day
- 25-003 Tactical Response (Elective course – 3 hours) morning of second day
- 25-004 Elder Abuse And Exploitation (Elective course – 3 hours) afternoon of second day
Attendance at all four classes meets the annual training requirement. Classes will be presented on the dates listed on the signup form. Classes with two dates begin at 8:30 A.M. Classes with four dates begin at 6:00 P.M. Courses will be presented in the order listed above.
Police Academy Staff
Cregg Dibert
Police Academy Director
Email Cregg Dibert
Director Cregg Dibert has over 14 years of experience in law enforcement. During his service at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, he worked in several divisions including Patrol, Fugitive Warrants and Special Operations. His specific duty assignments included patrol deputy, narcotics detective, and the Team Leader for the Marijuana Eradication Team. His collateral assignments included Field Training Officer and a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) for 12 years, 10 years as a sniper.
Dibert’s law enforcement teaching experience includes firearms, defensive tactics, active shooter first responder, basic special weapons and tactics (SWAT), and basic and advanced sniper classes for the Sheriff’s Office. He was an instructor for the Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy teaching defensive tactics, active shooter first responder, and assisting with patrol tactics, felony car stops, crimes in progress, etc.
Dibert has been a dedicated instructor at the Penn Highlands Police Academy since its inaugural class. As an MPOETC-certified trainer, he specializes in general instruction, defensive tactics, physical training, and firearms, bringing expertise to every area he teaches.
Andrew Frear
Instructor
Andrew Frear is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 38 years of experience, currently serving as the Chief of Police in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held supervisory roles for more than 31 years, including positions as Sergeant, Captain, and Chief of Police.
Since 2009, Frear has been a dedicated instructor at the Police Academy, where he teaches both general courses and firearms training.
A proud graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Frear brings a wealth of specialized expertise to his field. His extensive training and certifications include serving as a K-9 Officer, Coordinator for the Cambria County DUI Task Force, SERT Commander, and member of a SERT Team. He has also been a part of the Cambria County Drug Task Force and previously worked with the United States Marshals Service.
Tom Owens
Instructor
Tom Owens brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and currently serves as a Corporal-Detective with the Police Department in Cambria County. Since 2010, he has also been an instructor at the Police Academy, where he teaches both Academy cadets and MIST training programs.
In addition to his current role, Owens is a Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security under Homeland Security Investigations. His previous positions include Detective Sergeant, where he led the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, overseeing critical cases and operations.
Throughout his career, Owens has been deputized by multiple state and federal agencies, including the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Office of the Attorney General, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. His expertise has been instrumental in tackling complex investigations and high-stakes operations.
As one of the founding members of the Johnstown Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), Owens commanded the unit for over a decade, solidifying its role in handling critical incidents. He is also certified as a firearms instructor and previously served as a K-9 officer, working alongside “Tarzan,” an explosives-detecting canine.
Beyond law enforcement, Owens has a diverse background, having served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and worked as both a firefighter and paramedic.
Michael Porada
Instructor
Michael Porada brings 25 years of dedicated service as a law enforcement officer, complemented by 23 years of experience as a law enforcement instructor.
He is certified in multiple critical areas, including defensive tactics, physical conditioning, firearms, emergency vehicle operations (EVOC), and active assault response.
In addition, Porada boasts over three decades of expertise as a martial arts instructor, further solidifying his extensive knowledge and skills in defense and training.
Adam Richards
Instructor
Adam Richards currently serves as the Chief of Police in Cambria County and brings 24 years of dedicated law enforcement experience to the role. For the past 16 years, he has also been actively involved in training and educating future law enforcement professionals.
A proud veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Mr. Richards served in the 28th Infantry Division, 1/103rd Armor, demonstrating his commitment to both community and country.
In addition to his extensive experience, he holds a range of specialized certifications, including Basic Water Rescue, On-Scene Collision Investigation (Level 1), Axon Academy Certified Taser Instructor, and Perceptual Driving as an EVOC Driving Instructor.
Bill Hines
Instructor
Bill Hines brings over 27 years of extensive law enforcement experience, currently serving as a Detective with the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office. He is also the Team Leader of the Cambria County Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), a full-time Task Force Officer with the FBI’s Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, the Project Manager for the Cambria County DUI Task Force, and a Case Officer with the Cambria County Drug Task Force.
Throughout his career, Hines has held leadership roles, including Chief of Police and Sergeant, showcasing his dedication to public safety and community leadership.
His expertise is further bolstered by advanced training and certifications, including being a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a certified Firearms Instructor, and an Electronic Surveillance Specialist (A-Cert). Additionally, he is a state-certified phlebotomist.
Hines also has an impressive military background, having retired after 22 years of service in the U.S. Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He concluded his military career as part of the 28th Infantry Division Provost Guard.
