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 Authorized Academy Schedules
Student Officers must meet the Eligibility Requirements to enroll.
Please contact an MPTC 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.
MPTC Authorized Academy Start Dates
Updated: January 26, 2026 *Dates subject to change.
| Authorized Academy | Class Start Date |
|---|---|
| Cambridge / Northeastern Police Academy | January 5, 2026 |
| Worcester Police Academy | January 26, 2026 |
| Boston Police Academy | March 30, 2026 |
| Lowell Police Academy | May 11, 2026 |
| Fitchburg State University Police Academy | May 18, 2026 |