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 is an eleven-month program. Classes are typically Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 10 PM. There are also several weekends when training will occur.
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. Financial Aid is available. Contact Student Financial Services at 814.262.6454Â for details.
Program Hours: 919
Program Length: 11 months
Tuition: $6,500
Uniforms: $180
Location: Richland Campus
Contact: Email Us
Areas of Training
In an effort to stay current with changes and trends in the industry, the program curriculum may change during the program year and will include general training in:
- 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 18 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 120: Criminal Justice Report Writing & Interviewing
- CRJ 175: Constitutional Law
- CRJ 215: Criminal Law and Procedure
- CRJ 235: Criminal Investigation and Policing
- CRJ 295: Criminal Justice Internship
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 https://somersetpacareers.com/.
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.
