1

Police Act 120 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are searching for Act 120 Certified (*) Police Officers to join our team who hold the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community. All interested candidates ...

Police Officer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$24.40 - $35.13/hr

The Act 120 Municipal Police Officer training is not a substitute for the Act 235. To learn more about Act 235, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police website. Officers maintain a safe and secure ...

Police Officer

Waynesburg, PA · On-site

$24.40 - $35.13/hr

The Act 120 Municipal Police Officer training is not a substitution for the Act 235. To learn more about Act 235 please visit Purpose: Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Act 120 information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police act 120 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for police act 120 in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Officer under Act 120, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer under Act 120, candidates need a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of Act 120 Municipal Police Academy training, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing systems, and defensive tactics tools is required, along with Act 120 certification. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help officers effectively engage with the community and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and building community trust.

What is the difference between Police Act 120 vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Act 120Police Officer
CredentialsTypically requires police training and certificationRequires police training and certification
Work EnvironmentLegal and administrative setting, often involving investigations and legal proceduresPatrol, law enforcement, community engagement
Employer/IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, governmentLaw enforcement agencies, government

The Police Act 120 refers to a legal provision or regulation within police law, often involving specific legal procedures or authorizations. A Police Officer is a frontline law enforcement professional who enforces laws, maintains public safety, and operates within the framework of the Police Act 120. While both roles require police training and certification, the Police Act 120 pertains to legal authority or procedures, whereas a Police Officer is the individual executing law enforcement duties.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

The easiest law enforcement job to enter is often a community service officer or a civilian support role, which typically require less rigorous training and may not require a full police academy. These positions often focus on administrative tasks, traffic control, or community outreach and may have lower educational or experience requirements compared to sworn officer roles.

What is Police Act 120?

Police Act 120 refers to the certification required to become a municipal police officer in Pennsylvania. Act 120 is a training program mandated by the state that provides instruction in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, first aid, and other skills necessary for law enforcement. Completion of the Act 120 program, also known as the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) certification, is required before an individual can be employed as a police officer in Pennsylvania. The program typically takes about six months to complete and includes both classroom and practical training.

What are some common challenges faced by Police Act 120 officers during their first year on the job?

New Police Act 120 officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, managing high-stress situations, and quickly applying their academy training in real-world scenarios. Building strong communication skills and earning community trust can also be demanding during the initial months. Support from experienced officers and ongoing field training help new officers transition successfully and build confidence in their roles.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police officers can typically start their careers at age 21 or older, and 27 is generally considered a suitable age to begin training and meet hiring requirements. Many departments value maturity and life experience, making 27 a common age for new recruits. Physical fitness and completing required training are essential steps in the process.

What is the highest paying job in the police force?

In the police force, high-ranking positions such as police chief or commissioner typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures depending on the jurisdiction. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of law enforcement operations.

Can you make 300k as a cop?

Police officers with the job title of Police Act 120 typically do not earn $300,000 annually. Most police salaries are determined by experience, rank, and location, with higher earnings possible through overtime, specialized units, or supervisory roles, but reaching $300,000 is uncommon for standard patrol officers. Achieving such a salary generally requires advanced positions, additional certifications, or working in high-cost areas with overtime opportunities.
More about Police Act 120 jobs
What states have the most Police Act 120 jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Act 120 jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Act 120 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Jefferson Police Department - Police Officer Armed (prior police experience)- Full Time - Various...

Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Jefferson Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 347 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

185th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Details

Upon initial appointment, this is training level work in general police duties and activities involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, and the general investigation of crimes. Jefferson Police officer recruits receive formal, mandatory training at the Act 120 Police Academy, and preparatory on-the-job experience in the field to be fully certified and capable of assuming full patrol duties. Work is performed under supervision and guidance of senior police officers, and requires regular exposure to uncontrolled, emerging, and/or unpredictable conditions. This work requires frequent exercise, motion and moderate physical exertion. The police recruit training takes place in an accredited, Act 120 Police Training Academy recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While in the academy, police officer candidates serve in a non-sworn, at-will position. Upon successful completion of the Act 120 Police Academy, Jefferson Police Officer recruits/trainees will be administered the oath of office by a city of Philadelphia Magistrate judge to be officially recognized and statutorily authorized to perform as a "sworn" Jefferson Police Officer.

Job Description


Summary
Upon initial appointment, this is training level work in general police duties and activities involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, and the general investigation of crimes. Jefferson Police officer recruits receive formal, mandatory training at the Act 120 Police Academy, and preparatory on-the-job experience in the field to be fully certified and capable of assuming full patrol duties. Work is performed under supervision and guidance of senior police officers, and requires regular exposure to uncontrolled, emerging, and/or unpredictable conditions. This work requires frequent exercise, motion and moderate physical exertion. The police recruit training takes place in an accredited, Act 120 Police Training Academy recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While in the academy, police officer candidates serve in a non-sworn, at-will position. Upon successful completion of the Act 120 Police Academy, Jefferson Police Officer recruits/trainees will be administered the oath of office by a city of Philadelphia Magistrate judge to be officially recognized and statutorily authorized to perform as a "sworn" Jefferson Police Officer.
Job Duties

  • Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson.(Do not delete, move or over-write this statement)
  • Receives formal Academy training and upon graduating an academy, on the job training necessary to perform general duties of the Jefferson Police Officer.
  • Learn Police procedures, practices and techniques.
  • Learn and understand laws, statutes, and regulations essential to law enforcement activities.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Satisfactorily complete the prescribed police academy training course work.
  • Learn and develop skill in the use and care of firearms in order to satisfactorily complete the required firearms qualification course.
  • Satisfactorily complete and perform the physical functions of the job and academy requirements.


Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Jefferson Security experience or prior Law Enforcement or Military experience required.
  • Able to pass Physical Fitness, Psychological, and Drug testing examinations established by Jefferson for this position (all divisions). PA Armed positions only: meets the requirements of Act 501.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • No discipline on file for six months prior to application filing.
  • Lethal Weapons Training Act Certification F - Pennsylvania State Police


Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field


Physical Demands
Lift over 50 lbs. Push/pull up to 140 lbs. Carry 80 lbs. short distances. Frequent standing/walking, squatting, kneeling, crawling, climbing and reaching overhead.
Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Work Shift

Rotating (United States of America)

Worker Sub Type

Regular

Employee Entity

Primary Location Address

1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow's professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.

Jefferson is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap or disability or any other protected group or status.

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts. Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service. All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time(including per diemcolleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.

For more benefits information, please click here


What Jefferson Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Jefferson Health logo

About Jefferson Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Jefferson Health is a revered name in the healthcare sector, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. This nonprofit health system is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate clinical care and services across the region. The organization was founded in 1824 as Jefferson Medical College, and over the years, it has grown into a vast network of physicians and specialists, hospitals, outpatient and urgent care facilities. Offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services, Jefferson Health covers areas including cancer care, neuroscience, orthopedics, and cardiovascular care, among others. The organization's mission is to improve lives by promoting overall health and wellness, emphasizing value-based care, and making innovative medical advancements. Besides, one of their notable achievements includes being recognized by the National Academy of Medicine as a national leader in patient safety improvements.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US