Mansfield Police Academy Graduates 42nd Class

MANSFIELD, PA (11/18/2024) — The Commonwealth University-Mansfield Act 120 Municipal Police Academy graduated its 42nd class at Straughn Hall on Friday, Nov. 15.

Established in 1977, Mansfield's academy is one of only 17 pre-service municipal police academies across Pennsylvania certified by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission. The 25-week academy requires 919 hours of instruction and development of personal skills. Graduating from a certified Act 120 academy is required to become a municipal police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"Congratulations to the newest graduates of Mansfield's esteemed police academy and best of luck in your careers," said Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University. "For more than 40 years, the Mansfield Police Academy has helped communities fulfill critical workforce needs in public safety. The success of the academy and its graduates is a testament to our experienced instructors and the rigorous training provided."

The following cadets were members of the 2024 graduating class and are now eligible to be certified as municipal police officers in Pennsylvania:

Logan Smedley earned the James Fox Top Driver Award and Johnathon Day earned the Barbara Butcher Top Physical Fitness Award. Gavin McAlary was recognized with the Keith Graver Top Firearms Award with Elliot Custred taking home the Christine Shegan Top Academic Award.

The police academy is part of CU-Mansfield's Public Safety Training Institute, a regional training center providing initial and continuing professional education for criminal justice practitioners, first responders, public safety professionals and the public.

Mansfield's full-time academy begins in May and concludes in November, annually.

The curriculum includes criminal law and investigation, vehicle code, accident investigation, first aid and CPR, operation of patrol vehicles, crisis management, defensive tactics and firearms.

Learn more about the Mansfield Act120 Municipal Police Academy at commonwealthu.edu/act120.

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