Police Entrance Level Training

The Police Entrance Level Program course of instruction for members of small to medium-sized police agencies. The Police Academy curriculum incorporates community policing strategies with a strong emphasis on Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) activities throughout the training. The course serves officers from municipal police departments, county sheriffs’ offices, school and university police departments WHO DO NOT HAVE AN ENTRY LEVEL TRAINING PROGRAM. Instruction includes; Organizational principles and law; Patrol tactics; Traffic Laws and Enforcements; Criminal investigations; Emergency medical care; Radio Communications; Report writing and composition; Crime prevention; Crisis intervention; Protective strategies and tactics; Emergency vehicle operations, Prisoner processing and security; Courtroom preparation and testimony; Health and wellness; Terrorism and weapons of mass destruction and Police officer firearms training and qualification. Each week is devoted to the problem-solving process to practical police problems.

Note: Course fee does not include Ammo, Clothing or Lodging.

Location: PSETC - Sykesville
Dates of Class: 03/02/2026 - 08/28/2026
Approval Number: P52205
Approved Hours: 1016
Price: 4000.00

Program Approval Information

Notes Regarding Roster & Payments
(Please Read Carefully)
- Though the online roster is open, we will only accept 24 students. Agencies can add an unlimited number of recruits to the roster; however, a maximum of 5 per agency will be admitted to the academy.
- Agencies will be contacted with an offer of seat(s) after the mandatory physical assessment (information below). In order to secure the seat(s), a non-refundable 50% deposit will be due. The due date for the deposit will be provided with the offer of a seat (estimating the week of February 9th). No names will be confirmed on the roster until the agency commits to the seat and the deposit.
- The remainder of the tuition balance will be due after day 30 of the academy.


Class 40 - Important Dates:

January 28, 2026 (Wednesday) - Names Due
- All recruit names are due prior to the physical assessment. The roster will lock to new names at this time.
- Agencies can opt to enter holds by using TBD in the mandatory fields and 999999 as the certification number. Login to "edit" the student enrollment to provide details once confirmed.

January 31, 2026 (Saturday) - Mandatory Fitness Assessment
- 9:00am at the PSETC Physical Training Center (905 2nd Street, Sykesville).
- The Fitness Assessment Requirements for the MPCTC PEL Academy have been updated as of October 2024. Agencies and recruits should be sure to review the Academy Physical Test Standards prior to the assessment.
- Agencies cannot test their own recruits and send the results. All testing is completed in-person by MPCTC PEL academy staff.
- A signed medical affirmation must be presented for each candidate on the day of the assessment or they will not be able to participate.
- Questions regarding the fitness assessment can be directed to PEL Manager [email protected]. A make-up day is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th if needed.

February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) - Agency Orientation
- 10:00am at the PSETC Sykesville
- Details regarding the agency orientation will be sent after the fitness assessment occurs, seats are offered and recruits are confirmed on the roster.

February 21, 2026 (Saturday) - Recruit Orientation
- 9:00am at the PSETC Sykesville
- Recruit orientation will consist of staff and student introductions. Details will be provided once the roster is confirmed, as well as at the agency orientation.

March 2, 2026 (Monday) - Day 1 of the Academy

August 28, 2026 (Friday) - Graduation Day (details provided once date approaches)