Innovative Initiative Aims to Increase Law Enforcement Workforce, Enhance Diversity and Support Recruitment

FALL RIVER: The Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Bristol Community College, today announced the launch of the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) scholarship program, an innovative initiative designed to expand access to careers in law enforcement by providing financial assistance to self-sponsored individuals seeking to attend a police academy. This recruitment program, made possible by Senator Michael J. Rodrigues and other members of the legislature, will allocate $750,000 towards a scholarship pilot program that will offset $7,000 in academy enrollment fees for eligible applicants to enroll in a full-time police academy operated by the MPTC.

The new scholarship program was announced today at Bristol Community College, where state and local officials, law enforcement leaders and elected representatives gathered to raise awareness about available funding and highlight the program’s goals. This newly established initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of public safety by addressing workforce challenges and increasing the pool of highly trained recruits. By investing in the education and training of underrepresented individuals, this program also aims to strengthen efforts to enhance diversity and support police agencies efforts to reflect the communities they serve.

“Law enforcement is an incredibly rewarding career, and we need more highly trained, dedicated police officers in all of our communities keeping people safe,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are proud to launch this new program that will help more recruits enroll in and graduate from the police academy by lowering the cost of enrollment. We encourage anyone who may be considering a career in law enforcement to apply.”

“We don’t want cost to ever be a barrier for someone who wants to pursue a career in policing,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This program will make a big difference for recruits, making it more likely that they will be able to enter and graduate from the academy and get to work serving our communities. We’re grateful to Chair Rodrigues, the Legislature, MPTC and Bristol Community College for their partnership to make this possible.”

“By reducing financial barriers, this initiative opens a new pathway for individuals who may not have otherwise pursued a career in policing. It also expands police departments’ access to fully trained academy graduates who meet Massachusetts’ rigorous policing standards and are ready for immediate service,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “By introducing alternative entry points into policing, this initiative creates a unique opportunity for highly motivated, community-oriented individuals to embark on a law enforcement career and contribute to public safety.

“I’m heartened that the MPTC is formally establishing the municipal police scholarship program, an initiative that I was proud to author to expand career pathways in public safety and greatly assist police academy cadets realize their goal of a meaningful career in law enforcement,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This new $7,000 scholarship will provide financial assistance and expand these career opportunities for candidates who otherwise could not afford the cost of attending a police academy in the Commonwealth. We need to keep pace with our changing communities and have our local law enforcement officers be more reflective of the municipality they serve. I would like to thank my friend and constituent Mike Perreira of Fall River, whom had a large part in the creation of this program, and it’s launch, along with the Healey Administration, Secretary Reidy, and MPTC for following through on ensuring that this workforce initiative becomes a reality.” 

Key Objectives of the MPTC scholarship program include: 

  • Expansion of the Candidate Pool: This program will allow more individuals to enter police academy training independently, which will increase the number of fully trained officers available for immediate hiring by local police departments.  
  • Reducing financial Barriers to Opportunity: The scholarship will defray $7,000 in tuition costs, making it more feasible for aspiring officers to enroll in an MPTC police academy without being pre-hired by a police department. 
  • Promoting Statewide Workforce Diversity: This program will encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to support ongoing efforts to strengthen representation across law enforcement. 

“By providing financial assistance to aspiring police officers, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement," said MPTC Executive Director Rick Rathbun. "This scholarship program not only supports our commitment to diversity and inclusion but also strengthens our communities by fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the residents they serve.”

In its pilot phase, the MPTC will collaborate with Bristol Community College and their Police Department, which will assist in the application and vetting process. This partnership ensures that applicants receive guidance and support as they navigate the requirements of the program. As an educational hub that serves a diverse student body, Bristol Community College is uniquely positioned to support the program’s goal of reaching individuals from various backgrounds. This partnership ensures the program can identify and prepare candidates who may not have traditionally pursued a career in law enforcement and provide them with the financial and logistical support needed to succeed.

“It’s an honor for the Bristol Community College Police Department to participate in the Municipal Police Training Committee Police Academy Scholarship Program. This program is a key part of our dedication to both community and the training of future police officers,” said Steven Kenyon, Interim President of Bristol Community College.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet criteria, including being at least 21 years old, possessing a valid driver's license, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, and successfully completing a Physical Ability Test (PAT), Entry-Level Fitness Standards and medical examinations.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to enroll in the rigorous full time MPTC Operated Academy Recruit Officer Course (ROC), which provides over 800 hours of course curriculum designed to prepare individuals for the demanding responsibilities of a sworn police officer in Massachusetts. The uniform training program encompasses academic coursework, physical fitness training and skill development based on best practices related to essential modern-day policing needs.

“This is a unique and valuable opportunity for people across Massachusetts to become student officers and apply their talents and dedication to careers in law enforcement," said Scott Hovsepian, President of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police. "By partnering on this scholarship program with Bristol Community College, the MPTC is enabling underrepresented populations to receive training and certification in advance of pursuing opportunities with various departments and agencies. It will be a powerful tool for creating more representative police forces."

Applications for the Municipal Police Academy Scholarship Program are now open.

Media Contact: Kayla Rosario-Muñoz, Kayla.Rosario-Munoz@mass.gov