The Reading Police Academy is marking 50 years since being commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).
The Academy began its 2026 training year with a full class of forty-two police cadets. Thirteen of those cadets have been hired by the City of Reading Police Department. Twenty-seven additional cadets will begin careers as police officers in neighboring municipalities across Berks andLancaster counties upon graduation.
The Reading Police Academy was commissioned by MPOETC in 1976. Prior to that time, the Academy operated as an in-house training program for the Reading Police Department. State commissioning established the Academy as a regional training facility serving multiple municipalities.
“This anniversary reflects the consistent work that has gone into training officers to meet state standards and serve their communities,” said Reading Police Chief Javier Ruiz. “The Academy continues to focus on practical, professional training that prepares cadets for the realities of the job.”
Since receiving state recognition, the Academy has expanded its training model and developed partnerships with Alvernia University and Kutztown University, allowing criminal justice students to attend the Academy as part of their academic programs.
“For 50 years, the Reading Police Academy has played an important role in preparing officers not just for Reading, but for communities throughout the region,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “Strong training is essential to public safety, and this milestone reflects the value of that investment.”
Since its founding, the Reading Police Academy has graduated numerous cadets who have gone on to careers in law enforcement across Berks County and surrounding areas. The City of Reading Police Department remains committed to providing high-quality training and education as the Academy looks ahead to its next 50 years of service.
Photos attached on email include an image of the first class following state commissioning in 1976 and a current-day photo of the Reading Police Academy.
