04/02/2026
Scranton Police Department Announces Historic Training and Education Partnership with Lackawanna College
SCRANTON, Pa. - Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll and Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Kevin Mahoney today announced a historic collaboration between the Scranton Police Department (SPD) and Lackawanna College that will significantly enhance police cadet training while expanding higher-education opportunities for members of the Department.
Under the agreement, every Academy Cadet from Lackawanna College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses will gain access to the City of Scranton’s cutting-edge, state-of-the-art training technology, including the Axon Virtual Reality systems and the MILO 180-degree immersive range theater, a state-of-the-art, multi-screen training system designed to deliver highly realistic, scenario-based fi****ms and use-of-force training. The partnership will also expose cadets to modern law-enforcement tools such as unmanned aerial systems (drones), advanced forensic technology, and contemporary tactical equipment, ensuring graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of 21st-century policing.
“We have made it a priority to invest in public safety and ensure our police officers have the tools, technology, and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Through this collaboration with Lackawanna College, we are creating a direct pipeline for the next generation of officers to learn, grow, and serve at the highest level while also strengthening opportunities for the dedicated men and women already serving in the Scranton Police Department. Scranton is setting the national standard for how a modern police department trains, educates, and supports its officers. We have backed up our commitment to public safety with real investments, modernizing equipment, upgrading our fleet, expanding the force, and ensuring our officers have the support they need to succeed. I am incredibly proud of the Scranton Police Department and the work they do every day. This partnership builds on that momentum and reinforces something I believe in deeply: When we invest in our officers and their training, we are investing in safer neighborhoods and a stronger Scranton.”
“At Lackawanna College, we’re focused on driving progress in Scranton, providing the training and educational pathways that help our students find success right at home while building a strong talent pipeline for our local workforce. Our partnership with the Scranton Police Department is a reflection of that commitment,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “This program will bring valuable, hands-on learning experiences to our police cadets, ensuring they can confidently begin their careers and make an immediate impact. It also allows us to create new pathways for Police Department members and their families to pursue meaningful degrees and unlock growth opportunities.”
Through the partnership, Lackawanna College will provide four (4) full scholarships annually to members of the SPD. In addition, tuition discounts will be extended to all Department employees and their dependents, reinforcing a shared commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
“This collaboration is truly a win-win for our officers, future officers, and the community we serve,” said Chief Carroll. “We’re not only delivering the most advanced police services available, but we’re also opening doors to higher education that will benefit our officers and their families for years to come.”
Lackawanna College police cadets will also have the opportunity to participate in ride-along programs with the SPD, providing valuable real-world exposure to patrol operations and community policing initiatives.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in how we prepare future officers for the realities of modern law enforcement,” said Kevin Mahoney, Director of Lackawanna College Police Academy. “By combining advanced technology, realistic training environments, and strong academic support, we are setting a new standard for excellence and professionalism in police training.”
