Employing a Municipal Police Officer

Overview

If your department is hiring a new officer, you must apply for certification in the Training and Certification System (TACS).  

Submit a Basic Training Application or a Waiver of Training Application and all appropriate documents in TACS. The Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) will then review and approve applications. 

For help with your TACS login, read the Keystone Login Guidelines (PDF).

Eligibility for certification

Candidates must have passed with a score of 70% or higher on the certification exam within the past 24 months to be eligible to be certified once they are employed. They must have passed a:

• Physical exam
• Drug test
• Vision test (PDF)
• Hearing exam (PDF)
• Physical fitness test
• Psychological examination (either MMPI-2, MMPI-2RF, or MMPI-3)

Departments also must verify that candidates meet the qualifications established in Title 37 § 203 Subchapter B (PDF), including that they:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Are a U.S. citizen
• Have no disqualifying criminal convictions (misdemeanor 2 or higher)
• Read at a minimum 9th grade reading level

Required documents

For a basic training application, you’ll need:

• Physical evaluation (PDF)
• Psychological evaluation (PDF)
• Drug test results
• Passport size photo if you don’t have a Pennsylvania driver’s license

For a waiver application, you’ll need:

• CPR certification card
• First aid certification card
• Drug test results
• Physical evaluation (PDF)
• Psychological evaluation (PDF)
• Academy grade sheet
• Academy diploma 

After certification

MPOETC monitors officer qualification and training status and will notify you prior to expiration of the requirements. However, you’re responsible for ensuring officers are current and for keeping accurate employment, qualifications, and training records in TACS.

More information can be found on the TACS help page.