HAZLETON, PA — Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement can now apply for the Pennsylvania State Police’s free 2026 Law and Leadership Academy, a 15-week training program designed to mirror cadet instruction at a police academy.
What This Means for You
- The free program runs May through August 2026 and is open to adults 18 and older.
- Participants train twice a week in a structured, paramilitary-style environment.
- Applications are due by April 3, 2026.
The Pennsylvania State Police announced that applications are now being accepted for the academy, which is open to individuals who have graduated from high school or earned a GED.
The program provides educational and physical training similar to that provided to cadets in a traditional police academy. Participants meet twice weekly, with occasional Saturday sessions, and take part in physical fitness exercises such as running, swimming, and marching.
A paramilitary environment refers to a structured training setting that emphasizes discipline, chain of command, and teamwork, similar to a military-style organization.
Training and Curriculum
In addition to physical conditioning, the curriculum includes instruction in traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and other law enforcement resources.
Participants also receive training in time management, stress management, teamwork, and self-discipline — skills state police officials say are essential for a successful career in law enforcement.
The academy is intended to give participants firsthand experience of the expectations and demands of police training.
Program Locations and Application Deadline
The 2026 Law and Leadership Academy will be offered at the following locations:
- Wilkes-Barre
- Hershey
- State College
- Philadelphia
- Greensburg
- Erie
Applications are open through April 3, 2026. Additional details and application information are available at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/programs/law-and-leadership-program.
The Law and Leadership Academy is one of several recruitment and outreach initiatives offered by the Pennsylvania State Police to encourage individuals to consider careers as state troopers.
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