MPTC Operated Police Academies

The Recruit Officer Course (ROC) is an entry-level training curriculum for new police officers.

Successful completion of the recruit officer course (ROC) curriculum is required under M.G.L. Chapter 41 §96B 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

• At least 21 years old upon graduation (See 550 CMR 3: Requirements for Law Enforcement Officer Training)
• Employed or sponsored by a Municipal, Environmental, University of Massachusetts police department or other law enforcement department authorized by the Committee
• Successfully completed a high school education or equivalent
• Pass a state and national background check, including confirmation that the appointed or sponsored candidate is not listed in the national decertification index or the database of decertified law enforcement officers maintained by POST
• Successfully complete the Massachusetts Human Resource Division’s (HRD) Physical Ability Test (PAT) and HRD Medical Exam and Drug Screening
• Have or obtain adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of the police academy

MPTC Operated Academy Schedules

Student officers must meet the Eligibility Requirements to enroll.

• Tuition: MPTC Operated Police Academies Student Officer Tuition and Payments
• Registration:  MPTC Operated Academy Registration Process

MPTC Operated Academy Upcoming Start Dates 

Updated: 12/4/25*Dates subject to change. 

Academy	First 2026 Class Start Date	Second 2026 Class Start Date	First 2027 Class Start Date
Lynnfield	January 5, 2026	July 13, 2026	January 25, 2027
Randolph	February 17, 2026	August 17, 2026	February 16, 2027
Holyoke	March 2, 2026	September 14, 2026	March 15, 2027
NECC-Haverhill	April 20, 2026	October 26, 2026	April 26, 2027
Marlborough	June 1, 2026	December 7, 2026	June 7, 2027
Plymouth	June 22, 2026	N/A	January 4, 2027
East Falmouth	October 19, 2026	N/A	October 18, 2027