Lackawanna College Police Academy

Training Announcement:

Our July Act 235 classes are FULL!

To meet the demand, the Lackawanna College Police Academy has added additional Act 235 Basic and Renewal classes at our Scranton Campus.

To register, contact In-Service Training & MPOETC Compliance Administrator Lisa Senuk at 570-955-1513 or email [email protected]

At the Lackawanna College Police Academy, we train for the realities of the job. Critical incidents do not occur in climate-controlled settings — they happen in the rain, the snow, the heat, and under the worst possible conditions, which is why we train for reality, not comfort. Yesterday certainly brought the heat, and Scranton Class #266 met the challenge head-on!🔥🔥

Class #266 continues intensive fi****ms training throughout June as they prepare for their July graduation and the next step in their law enforcement careers.

Think you have what it takes? Applications are coming in fast for our October Hazleton class, with entrance PT testing dates already filling up!

As always, Federal Financial Aid for Cadets and GI Bill tuition assistance for Veterans are available for all qualified applicants.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of training Pennsylvania law enforcement professionals in 2027. Experience the most advanced, cutting-edge training technology available through our exclusive partnership with the Scranton Police Department!

To reserve your spot, contact Admissions Specialist Beth Thompson today: [email protected]

We are already hard at work building the 2026–2027 training calendar—and preparing to celebrate our 50th Anniversary!

Why choose the Lackawanna College Police Academy?

* 50 years of experience and training excellence
* Historic partnership with the Scranton Police Department, providing Cadets access to the most modern law enforcement training technology available
* Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) for Cadets
* GI Bill benefits for Veterans

Be part of our 50-year celebration!

Enrollment is now open for our October Hazleton Class, and enrollment for our January Scranton Class opens in July.

Apply early to secure your seat. For admissions and testing information, contact Beth Thompson at [email protected] or 570-955-1525

Congratulations Hazleton Cadet Class #265! We wish you nothing but success in your future law enforcement careers! Make us proud!

Join us as we celebrate the graduation of Hazleton Cadet Class #265! Their dedication, discipline, and commitment to service have brought them to this milestone, and we are proud to recognize their achievement.

Family, friends, alumni, Law Enforcement partners, and community members are invited to attend the graduation ceremony as we honor the next generation of public safety professionals.

The Lackawanna College Nursing Program recently conducted a "Swab to Save" Drive, seeking volunteers for a quick, non-invasive screening where eligible individuals take a simple swab from the inside of their cheek to check if they are a potential match for someone in need of a blood stem cell transplant. Blood stem cell transplants can save lives, especially for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

When Scranton Cadet Class #266 heard about the need for volunteers, they didn't hesitate!

Scranton Police Department Announces Historic Training and Education Partnership with Lackawanna College

SCRANTON, Pa. - Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll and Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Kevin Mahoney today announced a historic collaboration between the Scranton Police Department (SPD) and Lackawanna College that will significantly enhance police cadet training while expanding higher-education opportunities for members of the Department.

Under the agreement, every Academy Cadet from Lackawanna College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses will gain access to the City of Scranton’s cutting-edge, state-of-the-art training technology, including the Axon Virtual Reality systems and the MILO 180-degree immersive range theater, a state-of-the-art, multi-screen training system designed to deliver highly realistic, scenario-based fi****ms and use-of-force training. The partnership will also expose cadets to modern law-enforcement tools such as unmanned aerial systems (drones), advanced forensic technology, and contemporary tactical equipment, ensuring graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of 21st-century policing.

“We have made it a priority to invest in public safety and ensure our police officers have the tools, technology, and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Through this collaboration with Lackawanna College, we are creating a direct pipeline for the next generation of officers to learn, grow, and serve at the highest level while also strengthening opportunities for the dedicated men and women already serving in the Scranton Police Department. Scranton is setting the national standard for how a modern police department trains, educates, and supports its officers. We have backed up our commitment to public safety with real investments, modernizing equipment, upgrading our fleet, expanding the force, and ensuring our officers have the support they need to succeed. I am incredibly proud of the Scranton Police Department and the work they do every day. This partnership builds on that momentum and reinforces something I believe in deeply: When we invest in our officers and their training, we are investing in safer neighborhoods and a stronger Scranton.”

“At Lackawanna College, we’re focused on driving progress in Scranton, providing the training and educational pathways that help our students find success right at home while building a strong talent pipeline for our local workforce. Our partnership with the Scranton Police Department is a reflection of that commitment,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “This program will bring valuable, hands-on learning experiences to our police cadets, ensuring they can confidently begin their careers and make an immediate impact. It also allows us to create new pathways for Police Department members and their families to pursue meaningful degrees and unlock growth opportunities.”

Through the partnership, Lackawanna College will provide four (4) full scholarships annually to members of the SPD. In addition, tuition discounts will be extended to all Department employees and their dependents, reinforcing a shared commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

“This collaboration is truly a win-win for our officers, future officers, and the community we serve,” said Chief Carroll. “We’re not only delivering the most advanced police services available, but we’re also opening doors to higher education that will benefit our officers and their families for years to come.”

Lackawanna College police cadets will also have the opportunity to participate in ride-along programs with the SPD, providing valuable real-world exposure to patrol operations and community policing initiatives.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in how we prepare future officers for the realities of modern law enforcement,” said Kevin Mahoney, Director of Lackawanna College Police Academy. “By combining advanced technology, realistic training environments, and strong academic support, we are setting a new standard for excellence and professionalism in police training.”

Police cadets train in crisis management in Scranton Newswatch 16's Jack Culkin spoke with experts about how the training will help officers as well as the public.