Skip to Content
  • Contact Us
  • Text Size

 allentownpa.gov - Metro Government of Allentown (Print logo)

Allentown Police Academy

Training Exercise

*This is not where you submit or acquire paperwork to apply for the Allentown Police Department as a Police Officer*          

*CHECK THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING SCHEDULE LINK FOR HOSTED TRAINING*
 

The City of Allentown is home to one of the finest police training facilities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Allentown Police Academy has been in existence since 1959. Over 3000 officers from 187 different municipalities have been trained at our facility.

Our facility offers the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Basic Recruit Training Program. This is a 919 hour training program geared for municipal police officers. The program consists of 20 subject areas. There are academic as well as hands-on training classes. Some of the classes you will have are: Criminal Law, Vehicle Code, Firearms, Defensive Tactics, First Aid, Patrol Procedures and Investigations, plus many more.

There are 27 written tests plus several practical tests that you must pass.

Classes begin in the months of January and July.

 

*****WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 115TH ACADEMY CLASS THAT WILL START January 2025. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 115TH CLASS IS August 2, 2024*****

Class hours are Monday – Friday, 0730 – 1730 hours daily. In addition there are a few night classes – 1800-2000 hours. 100% attendance is required.

The tuition is $6000 and is non-refundable. There are no student loans or grants available for the course unless you are a veteran. Our program is approved for Veterans Education Benefits. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks before class starts.

Other expenses you will have are: uniforms (classroom and physical fitness), handgun and related gear, and testing fees.

Basic Requirements

To attend the Allentown Police Academy:
  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must be at least 21 years of age - there is no maximum age
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • You must have a valid driver's license
  • You must have a clean criminal record. No convictions of Misdemeanor of the 2nd degree or greater.
  • You must be in good physical condition

Application Process

  1. Complete the Pre-Service Application.
  2. Send the application along with the following documents to us. The mailing address is: Allentown Police Academy, 2110 Park Dr., Allentown PA 18103
    • Release and Indemnification Agreement
    • Application Disclosure
    • Authorization for Background Check
    • Copy of your driver’s license
    • Copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
    • Original background check results from every state you lived in since age 6. For PA residents, go the Pennsylvania State Police website: www.psp.pa.gov/pages/request-a-criminal-history-record.aspx
    • Proof of citizenship – see the US Citizen and Immigration Services website for acceptable documents to use. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/proof-of-citizenship-for-us-citizens
  3. Attend an information session. These will be held before the start of each class and are a mandatory part of the application process. You will receive a letter and/or email informing you of the dates and times.
    • At the information session a staff member will explain in detail the required pre-admission testing. This testing includes a medical exam, a physical fitness test, a reading test, a psychological exam, a background check and an interview.
    • The physical fitness requirements can be viewed on: www.mpoetc.state.pa.us Click on Training, then click on MPOETC Fitness Charts.

All areas must be satisfactorily completed to gain admission. The Allentown Police Academy’s School Director and/or the Allentown Police Department’s Chief of Police will have the final decision on all admission.

Contact Information
Captain Christopher Diehl
School Director
Christopher.Diehl@allentownpa.gov

Sergeant Leonard Fritzinger
Training Officer
Leonard.Fritzinger@Allentownpa.gov

Thurman D'Argenio
Training Officer
Thurman.Dargenio@allentownpa.gov

Jason Aduddell
Training Officer
Jason.Aduddell@allentownpa.gov

Phone: 610.437.7744
Fax: 610.437.8724
Forms
Act 120 / Pre-Service Application
Use this application to register as a civilian entering the Academy as a self-sponsored student; i.e. NOT hired by a police department.

Application if Hired
Use this application if hired, and attendance sponsored, by a police department of the Commonwealth.

Release and Indemnification Agreement

Application Disclosure

Authorization for Background Check