Hazleton, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today that it is now accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy.
The free, 15-week program (May–August) is for individuals 18 years or older who have graduated from high school or earned their GED and are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Participants meet twice a week, with occasional Saturday sessions, and experience what it’s like to train as a cadet. They undergo educational and physical fitness training similar to that provided in real-life police academies, including running, swimming, and marching, within a structured paramilitary environment.
The curriculum includes instruction on traffic, criminal investigations, and other police resources. Cadets will also learn time and stress management, self-discipline, teamwork, and other critical skills necessary to be a successful law enforcement officer.
Those interested can find more information about the program and apply to one of the following locations at the Law and Leadership page on PSP’s website:
- Wilkes-Barre
- Hershey
- State College
- Philadelphia
- Greensburg
- Erie
The application period is open until April 3, 2026.
The Law and Leadership Academy is one of the many programs the department offers that reflect the Shapiro Administration’s work to support the State Police and encourage more individuals to pursue careers as state troopers.
Over the past three years, the Shapiro Administration has provided funding for over 1,000 state troopers. The Governor’s 2026-27 budget proposal continues to support PSP’s mission to protect the safety of Pennsylvania communities by investing $16.2 million for four additional cadet classes—approximately 380 troopers—and calls for the complete elimination of the current statutory cap which limits the number of troopers PSP can hire.