Successful completion of the recruit officer course (ROC) curriculum is required under M.G.L. Chapter 41 ยง96B to be a sworn municipal, University of Massachusetts, or environmental police officer in the Commonwealth. The ROC is organized into three (I-III) volumes with multiple subtopics. The ROC provides nearly 800 hours of course curriculum designed to prepare student officers for the safe and effective performance of their duties and covers 21st century policing best practices with specific emphasis on the following core principles:
- problem solving
- procedural justice
- ethical decision making
- fair and impartial policing
Physical Requirements
All student officers must know what to expect ahead of time and must prepare well in advance of the first day of the academy. The most significant factors in this preparation are: weight control, aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Download the MPTC Health and Wellness Fitness Preparation Guide to assist with preparing to attend the police academy.
Minimum Requirements
Student officers must (1) be a minimum of 21 years old on or before the date of academy graduation; (2) be employed or sponsored by a municipal, Environmental, or University of Massachusetts police department or other law enforcement department authorized by the Committee; and (3) successfully complete the Massachusetts Human Resource Division's Physical Ability Test (PAT) and medical examinations.
MPTC Authorized Academy Schedules
MPTC authorizes several academies to operate training academies. Please contact the authorized police academy directly for registration, tuition costs, and academy related questions. The MPTC is not involved with the application process for authorized police academies.
Student Officers must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll.
- All police academies operate daily Monday through Friday.
- There are no dormitories.
Applications for enrollment must be submitted through the Acadis portal. Please contact each MPTC Authorized Academy directly for registration requirements.
MPTC Authorized Academy Dates
Updated: January 26, 2026
| Authorized Academy | Class Start Date |
|---|---|
| Cambridge / Northeastern Police Academy | January 5, 2026 |
| Worcester PD Police Academy | January 26, 2026 |
| Boston PD Police Academy | March 30, 2026 |
| Lowell Police Academy | May 11, 2026 |
| Fitchburg State University Police Program | May 18, 2026 |