MPCTC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

September 18, 2026

Click here for seating availability and additional dates

8:30am – 4:00pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: $35 for client agencies (DPSCS owes fee) / $50 for non-client agencies 

This course is designed to assist law enforcement and public safety personnel with the opportunity to obtain an understanding of the new responsibilities, liabilities, and the changes that come with the conversion from officers to supervisors. Topics to be covered include: the principles of leadership, team building inside and outside of the facilities, problem resolution and decision making, and new responsibilities.

September 24, 2026

November 19, 2026

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8:30am – 4:30pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: $50 for client agencies (DPSCS attend at no fee) / $75 for non-client agencies 

This program satisfies the COMAR requirement (noted below) of refresher training for certified Field Training Officers, and highlights the changes in the concepts and philosophies in the training role of an FTO based on previously approved course-ware. Attendees must have attended a MPCTC approved FTO course within four (4) years. 

12.04.01.17

.17 Field Training.

D. Field Training Officer Requirements.

(1) A field training officer shall:

(e) Within every 4 years following initial completion of a field training officer course, successfully complete a minimum of 7 hours of cumulative instruction that have been approved by the Commission to be provided to an individual who has been approved as a field training officer.

This program will review changes to the concepts and philosophies that emphasize the “training” role of an FTO. It is the goal of this program to inform students of updates in FTO subjects to enhance their proven skills, knowledge and abilities within the four year period following their initial FTO training. Additional components of the program instruction include the following but not limit the following topics: Effective communication; Counseling, Coaching and Mentoring; Updates to the topics: Roles of an FTO, including the FTO as a trainer; Challenges facing the FTO; Updates to COMAR Field Training Requirements; Adult Learning and Diversity and Generational Differences.

September 28-30, 2026

October 13-15, 2026

November 16-18, 2026

December 7-9, 2026

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8:30am – 4:30pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: $75 for client agencies (DPSCS attend at no fee) / $125 for non-client agencies 

The transition from the police academy to the “real” world is a critical step in the development of law enforcement officers. The field training program is the essential link in that officer development. Field Training Program options include the traditional San Jose model; the problem solving oriented Police Training Officer Reno model; and the Proficiency field training model. The Field Training and Evaluation Program does not advocate any particular model. Instead it incorporates the best of all models in a manner that is realistic and applicable to the current environment.

This program will highlight the concepts and philosophies that emphasize the “training” role of an FTO. It is the goal of this program to inform students of the skills, knowledge and abilities that are needed to become an FTO. Initially, the program examines the roles of the field training officer – specifically, the fact that the field training officer functions as the “supervisor” of a field trainee. The program also focuses on the fact that an FTO needs to possess and demonstrate skills in leadership and delegation. 

October 14-16, 2026

December 2-4, 2026

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8:30am – 4:30pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

DPSCS Personnel attend at no cost (maximum 10 students per session) / $60 for all other agencies

Agencies limited to 5 students per course date at this time. If you wish to place additional names on a waitlist in case the cap is lifted, please contact Katie.Johnson@maryland.gov. 

This 3-day, interactive training provides non-sworn professionals with practical skills for effective supervision. Through an engaging curriculum based on real-world scenarios, students will build a strong foundation in both supervision and leadership. This course covers the ethical foundations of decision-making, with impactful instruction in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, conflict management, and team building. It provides insight into Human Resources topics like FMLA, ADA, and EEO. Participants will discuss emotional intelligence, examine the benefits of an inclusive mindset in the workplace, and learn best practices for preparing performance evaluations and managing disciplinary actions.

Who should attend? The target audience for this course is civilian first line supervisors and/or civilian aspiring supervisors.

Who should not attend? Sworn law enforcement or correctional certified supervisors and/or administrators, those individuals are required to attend the mandated 5 day (35 hours) First Line Supervisor & Administrator Programs.

Please Note: This course is not approved for in-service hours. TBD names are due one month ahead of the course start date.

October 20, 2026

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8:30am – 4:00pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: $35 for client agencies (DPSCS owes fee) / $50 for non-client agencies 

This course is designed to enable the student to learn approaches and techniques for business coaching to enhance employee job performance that they can apply in their position as a manager or supervisor. Topics to be covered include: coaching versus training, coaching cycles, goal setting, coaching relationships, and the importance of communication.

October 27, 2026

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8:30am – 4:00pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: $35 for client agencies (DPSCS owes fee) / $50 for non-client agencies 

This course is designed to enable participants, who are business professionals, to develop advanced skills needed to self-edit written business correspondence. Topics include: editing techniques and tools, communication objectives, audience analysis, planning your writing, and establishing business tone.

December 7-18th, 2026

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8:00am-4:00pm

PSETC Physical Training Center (PTC), 905 2nd St, Sykesville, MD

Cost is $400 for client agencies, $600 for non-client agencies. DPSCS personnel attend at no cost.

This course will teach candidates the skills needed to teach defensive tactics at the entrance academy and in-service levels. Topics to be taught include Tactical Awareness, Teaching Philosophies in DT, Ground Defense, Takedowns, Takedown Defense, Weapon Retention and Takeaways, Tactical Cuffing, SPEAR Philosophies and use, Using Social Media/Video to our advantage as instructors, Personal Weapons, Recovery from a Grounded Position, Grappling, Clinch Defense/Offense, Krav Maga Choke Defenses, Classroom Safety/Limiting Injuries as a DT Instructor, Time Management as an Instructor.

IMPORTANT: The required physical assessment is scheduled for Friday, August 14th at 8:00am at the PTC (address above). Proper fitness attire is required. Click here for the Fitness Standards Scale.

November 30, 2026

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8:00am – 4:00pm

PSETC Sykesville, 6852 4th St, Sykesville, MD

Fee: Free for Maryland client-agencies only

Students will receive training for duties and responsibilities of the Institutional Fire Safety Officer for Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), Adult Detention Centers (ADC) and Adult Community Corrections Facilities (ACF).