The Senate has passed legislation proposed by Senator Chris Gebhard, which aims to allow Fort Indiantown Gap police officers to receive Act 120 certification under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). The bill, known as Senate Bill 327, was unanimously approved.
Currently, these officers complete all necessary certification requirements but do not receive numbers from MPOETC. This lack of official recognition can hinder their ability to transfer to other police departments without having to retake exams.
Senator Gebhard stated, “Police officers do an incredibly difficult, stressful and sometimes even deadly job. It’s no wonder that we’re always in need of men and women who are willing to serve our communities in that capacity.” He further explained that his bill would eliminate a barrier for officers, enhancing safety for everyone.
Senate Bill 327 seeks to provide Fort Indiantown Gap police officers with the same opportunities already available to municipal police departments, school police departments, and the Capitol Police.
In the previous session, a similar proposal by Gebhard was passed by the Senate as Senate Bill 1228 but did not advance in the House of Representatives. The current bill now awaits consideration by the House.
