Commission Votes Supports a Police Academy to Open at Bucks County Community College, Still in Early Stages

State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, announced earlier this week that the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) voted unanimously to establish a new police academy in Bucks County.

Although the initiative is in its early stages, the commission’s vote supports opening the academy at Bucks County Community College, which has campuses in Bristol, Newtown and Perkasie.

Munroe, a former police officer, veteran and MPOETC member, advocated for the project because of his commitment to improved policing, community engagement, education and job growth in Bucks County.

Munroe also heads the Bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus that was formed back in April 

Credit: State Rep Eric J. Weaknecht

“Establishing a police academy right here in Bucks County opens law enforcement opportunities to more of our residents from the outset,” Munroe said. “Great municipal police officers often come from the towns they serve. My hope in opening a new academy at BCCC is that more of our bright young people choose to learn here and stay here long into the future.”\

Fellow Bucks County state Rep. Tim Brennan also supported the application.

“I’m proud to see a new police academy coming to Bucks County, a big step to strengthen public safety while providing high-quality training right here in our community. Our officers deserve the best preparation and support, and this facility will help deliver that,” Brennan said. “Over the last year, I have introduced legislation to better fund law enforcement and support accreditation and regionalization efforts. This academy is another great step forward in making sure our officers have all the training and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”

Credit: Sunshine Foundation

MPOETC authorized the community college to submit a full application for a new academy in December 2024. Four other institutions also were approved to apply: Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County, Luzerne County Community College, Penn State DuBois in Clearfield County, and PennWest University in Clarion County.

Bucks County and Luzerne County were the only two to advance in the process. Luzerne County Community College also received a passing vote of 11-2, officials said,.

“The commission’s vote marks the first step in bringing this exciting opportunity to life,” Munroe said. “I’m proud to have been part of these early stages and look forward to seeing it progress,” Munroe said.