MTPD Training

Training for new officers

As an entry-level probationary officer, you’ll receive a total of 1,492 hours of academic and performance-based training, followed by 10 additional weeks of field training with experienced MTPD officers before you’re assigned to individual patrol or police work. Our basic officer training exceeds the standards mandated in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Training includes:

  • 800 hours of mandated basic officer training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA), including firearms and emergency vehicle operations training
  • 400 hours of field training with certified Metro Transit Police field training officers
  • 360 hours of mandated Maryland Comparative Compliance basic officer training for officers trained out-of-state in certified police academies
  • 240 hours of District of Columbia basic officer training
  • 48 hours of Metrorail/Metrobus Safety and Transit Technology training
  • 40 hours of specialized basic Metro Transit Police training
  • 24 hours of Metro Transit Police firearms training

Methods of instruction include classroom lectures, videos, visual aid slides, field trips, report writing assignments, and academic/ performance-based tests.

Training for in-service officers

The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) requires that each officer and sergeant receive 18 hours of approved training yearly for three consecutive years to recertify. Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires 40 hours of approved training and eight hours of legal instruction every two years to recertify. Classes offered by the Metro Transit Police Training Division are approved and certified for credit through DCJS and/or MPCTC as required. Firearms competency instruction is held annually in one-day sessions. Officials with the rank of Lieutenant and above are required by the DCJS to attend 40 hours of approved training every two years.

Career development

We are committed to helping our officers expand and sharpen their professional skills, and we offer professional training opportunities in areas that are job-specific and mission-oriented. Officers can also take advantage of Metro’s Tuition Reimbursement program to receive additional career training, paid for by Metro.

Specialized training

We offer specialized training for officers working in areas that require technical and hands-on application of practical skills. The MTPD has developed training in areas like:

  • Anti-Terrorism
  • Bicycle
  • Motorcycle
  • Explosive Detection Canine
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • Special Response Team
  • Civil Disturbance
  • Crime Scene Search

Our specialized training ensures that officers are fully equipped at the highest level to handle all the events and situations that we might face as we protect Metro’s riders, employees, facilities, and communities.