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 takes 20 weeks to complete 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; (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 Recruit Officer Course Academy Schedules
MPTC oversees municipal academies authorized 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 (unless noted)
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT MUST BE DONE THROUGH EACH ACADEMY LOCATION DIRECTLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CONTACT EACH LOCATION DIRECTLY TO INSURE YOU HAVE THE UP TO DATE DATES. (*) = TENTATIVE DATES
MPTC AUTHORIZED ACADEMY DATES
- View MPTC-Authorized Academy ROC Application Deadlines, Assessment and Orientation Dates
- View MPTC OPERATED AND AUTHORIZED COVID-19 VACCINATION ACADEMY POLICY
Updated: July 18, 2022
| Academy Location | ROC # | Start Date |
| Boston PD Police Academy | April 25, 2022 | |
| Boston PD Police Academy (*) | ||
| Cambridge Police Academy (*) | January 9, 2023 | |
| Cambridge Police Academy (*) | ||
| Cape Cod Municipal Academy | TBD - November 22 | |
| Cape Cod Municipal Academy (*) | ||
| Fitchburg State University Police Program | May 16, 2022 | |
| Fitchburg State University Police Program (*) | ||
| Lowell Police Academy | May 9, 2022 | |
| Lowell Police Academy (*) | ||
| MBTA Police Academy | August 15, 2022 | |
| MBTA Police Academy (*) | ||
| Merrimack College | 2nd | August 15, 2022 |
| Merrimack College (*) | ||
| Springfield Police Department | January 10, 2022 | |
| Springfield Police Department (*) | ||
| State Police Municipal Academy | TBD | |
| State Police Municipal Academy (*) | ||
| Worcester Police Academy | September 12, 2022 | |
| Worcester Police Academy (*) | ||
| Quinsigamond Community College | ROC#2 | September 12, 2022 |
| Quinsigamond Community College (*) |