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.

cruiser The center is certified by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission to provide the Act 120 Basic Municipal Police Officers’ Training Program. Over 95 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.

Get started on your application for the Act 120: Municipal Police Academy.

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

Become a Police Officer

The CJTC offers Act 120: Municipal Police Academy certification programs at two locations: the IUP main campus, and Pittsburgh Technical College. 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

Get Started on Your Application

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.

News

Quest for the Best Provides Tuition Support for Students in IUP Criminal Justice Training Center

Quest for the Best , a tax-exempt organization, has provided $66,700 for scholarships for students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice Training Academy who are studying to become municipal police officers.

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.