MANSFIELD, PA—A new era in law enforcement training began with the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon to dedicate the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy and Regional Training Center on Monday, March 5.
University officials, representatives from area law enforcement agencies and political officials then toured the new facility, which is located on the upper floor of Doane Center on the MU Campus.
The new Academy includes state-of-art classroom space, a physical training room and additional amenities to allow cadets and instructors an enhanced environment for their education and training.
“This new facility illustrates Mansfield University’s ongoing commitment to prepare future generations of municipal police officers who will serve communities in our area and beyond,” Mansfield University Interim President Scott Barton said. “In addition, our facility will now serve as an important training site for our regional law enforcement agencies. We are proud to serve both of those roles for the Commonwealth.”
Barton thanked the many members of the Mansfield University team and community leaders for their dedication and commitment towards making this project a reality.
“Our goal is to have an Academy that is considered the finest in the Commonwealth,” Scott Henry, director of MU Police Services and the Municipal Police Academy, said. “This new facility is a major step toward that goal. Also, being able to offer a training site for area law enforcement agencies will enhance their ability to protect our communities.”
“Mansfield University is re-establishing ourselves in the community and we intend to have our words meet our actions,” Barton added.
The Act 120 Academy Training Program at the Academy is a required 919-hour course to obtain certification to be a municipal police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It includes training in laws and procedures, motor vehicle law and collision investigation, criminal investigation, crisis management, emergency vehicle operations, physical training, first aid and CPR, defensive tactics and firearms. MU has been home to the Municipal Police Academy since 1978.
To learn more about the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy and Regional Training Center, go to mansfield.edu/police-academy