Training

University Police officers receive initial required training and policy review upon hire, and mandatory required and specialized training throughout their careers. Newly hired officers must complete a four-step Field Training Program and review all department policies before released to patrol solo.

Penn State police officers complete various trainings in several critical areas, including, but not limited to: 

• Anti-Biased Based Policing,
• Cultural Awareness,
• Implicit Biased Policing,
• Mental Health Crisis Training, and
• Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Required training also includes:

• Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Training and Certification Updates (12 hours annually with curriculum set by the Commonwealth)
• Reporting and Investigation of Use of Force Incidents
• Prisoner Handling
• Use of Force
• Use of Less Lethal Weapon Training
  • Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training (Pepper Spray)
  • TASER Training,
  • Monadnock Defensive Tactics System Training
  • Monadnock Expandable Baton
• Use of Firearms Training and Qualifications
• Biannual American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid

PowerDMS Training

All police officers, security, and staff, including lead administrators within the department, are enrolled in the Power DMS system, which allows for mandatory monthly online trainings on a wide array of subjects.

Initially, prioritized training consists of accreditation and high-risk training topics, such as:

• Use of Force
• Officer Wellness
• Emergency Management
• Supervision
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Mental Health
• Community Policing
• Criminal Investigations
• Compliance
• CPR/First Aid
• Traffic and Vehicle
• Trauma Informed Investigations and Interviewing
   

2025 Training Data

2024 Training Data