The Reading Police Academy is marking 50 years since being commissioned by Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.
The academy began its 2026 training year with a full class of 42 police cadets.
Thirteen of those cadets have been hired by the Reading Police Department. Twenty-seven others cadets will begin careers as police officers in municipalities across Berks and Lancaster counties upon graduation.
The Reading Police Academy was commissioned 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,” Reading Police Chief Javier Ruiz said in a release. “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,” Mayor Eddie Moran said in the release. “Strong training is essential to public safety, and this milestone reflects the value of that investment.”
COURTESY OF CITY OF READING
Cadets in the 2026 class receive instruction at the Reading Police Academy, located on the main campus of Alvernia University in southwest Reading. (COURTESY OF CITY OF READING)
Since its founding, the academy has graduated numerous cadets who have gone on to careers in law enforcement across Berks and surrounding areas. Officials said the city remains committed to that mission.