SARPD, just like all other police departments in the state of Pennsylvania, is bound by the requirements set by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). PA Title 37 Section 203.11 outlines the qualifications for an individual to be considered for the role of Police Officer in the state of Pennsylvania. SARPD uses these parameters to serve as a baseline for our requirements, which are listed below. An individual who meets these qualifications can then enroll in one of the state's many police academies. The current academy curriculum involves 919 hours of coursework and lasts approximately 6 months. After an individual completes the academy and passes the MPOETC Certification Exam, he/she is eligible to serve as a police officer in the state of Pennsylvania.

 Please read through the qualifications below for the role of Police Officer, and review the resources below for additional information related to officer qualifications, the PA police academy, out-of-state transfers, and more.

Minimum Qualifications - All candidates must:

• Age: Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment
• Education: Possess a high school diploma or GED Equivalency
• Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen
• Criminal Background: Be free from convictions of disqualifying criminal offenses (any felony, certain graded misdemeanors, current pending charges, or active probation/parole)
• Domestic Violence: No history of a Permanent PFA
• Work History: must provide positive job references and a positive work history
• Possess a valid PA driver’s license that has not been suspended in the last 3 yrs, has no more than 3 points and has not been subject to more than 3 moving violations in the last 5 years.
• Residency: applicants shall have their principal place of residency within a 50 mile radius of police HQ in the state of PA.
• Meet the minimum physical fitness standards (see physical ability test)
• Pass a written examination with a score of 70% or higher.
• Pass a psychological assessment
• Pass a thorough medical examination including vision test, hearing test, and drug screening
• Be free from the addictive/excessive use of alcohol
• Be free from the use of illegal controlled substances
• Pass an extensive background investigation; to include criminal history, driving record, credit history, employment history, character references, substance use history, and more
• Be willing to work rotating shifts, carry firearms, and work in dangerous situations
• Pass a basic police officer training course (police academy) and accompanying certification exam for ACT 120 certification