Probation and Parole Training Program

The Probation and Parole Training Program offered through the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute (JASI) delivers a defensive tactics course, and a train the trainer course, designed to meet the training requirements of all Pennsylvania county probation and parole officers. The course, developed in consultation with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), is delivered by a cadre of dedicated, experienced part-time instructors who are active and retired law enforcement professionals.

The Defensive Tactics Training course provides 40 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on physical training for newly hired officers, with annual instructor updates to ensure the curriculum reflects evolving safety needs across the commonwealth. Core topics include the proper application and removal of handcuffs; conducting safe, methodical searches; and understanding and applying Use of Force principles. Familiarization with impact weapons (batons) and oleoresin capsicum (OC) is also provided.

A newly developed Train the Trainer course is now available and will be taught by master instructors with advanced expertise in defensive tactics. Participants who attend and successfully complete the course will receive a two-year certification, expanding the pool of qualified instructors throughout the PA county adult probation community and ensuring consistent, high-quality defensive tactics training for all county adult probation departments across the commonwealth. To maintain certification, trainers will be required to attend a re-certification course every two years.

Prerequisites for the Train the Trainer course:
(Officers must meet at least one of the established prerequisites to be eligible for enrollment.)

Successful completion of the Penn State JASI Defensive Tactics course
Completion of any nationally recognized Defensive Tactics training
Current possession of an equivalent and valid Defensive Tactics certification

Upcoming Course Dates and Locations

All courses will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Course and Dates	Location
Instructor Certification Training (Train the Trainer) September 28–October 2, 2026 Registration Deadline: September 13	Centre County Wyndham Garden/State College 310 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania 16827
Defensive Tactics Training November 30–December 4, 2026 Registration Deadline: November 15	Centre County Wyndham Garden/State College 310 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania 16827
Instructor Certification Training (Train the Trainer) December 7–11, 2026 Registration Deadline: November 22	Centre County Wyndham Garden/State College 310 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania 16827

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Testimonials and Photos

I feel better prepared and excited for more training! Instructors were knowledgeable and fun, and they cared about us versus just being there for a paycheck. It was very much appreciated.

—2025 Defensive Tactics Training Participant

Awesome training with lots of good content and practice. Instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and they made training fun, too!

—2025 Defensive Tactics Training Participant

I liked the ‘chain learning’ approach where we focus on one step at a time.

—2025 Defensive Tactics Training Participant

Defensive Tactics Training

Instructor Certification Training (Train the Trainer)

Upcoming Course Dates and Locations

Course Registration

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Testimonials and Photos