Basic Peace Officer Training Course
This is the training that is required by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and the Ohio Peace Officer
Training Academy (OPOTA) for all police and peace officers in Ohio. Our Course exceeds the 583 hours that Ohio has set a
minimum.
We offer both Day and Evening Sessions of the course. Our Day Class meets Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM
and all day Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Out Evening Class meets Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 10 PM and all day
Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Both groups will also have 4 or 5 Sunday Classes from 8 AM to 5 PM.
The Basic Training Curriculum is divided into thirteen (13) Units; Administration, Legal, Human Relations, Firearms, Driving,
Subject Control, First Aid, Patrol, Civil Disorders, Traffic, Investigation, Physical Conditioning and Homeland Security. Each
Unit is divided into from one to seventeen Topics, each with various hours. Each Topic also has various Student
Performance Objectives (SPOs) or learning skills that you need to learn.
We add additional hours to our program to better prepare our graduates. In addition to ASP Baton and OC Spray Training,
additional hours are allotted for Domestic Violence and Physical Conditioning. In 2008, we became the first academy to
add laptop computer training. Most modern police agencies use laptop computers and we strive to fulfill that training
need to our graduates. Those students who enroll and have their own laptop receive a substantial discount in their tuition
fees.
Overview of Course:
Team work is an important element in successful and effective law enforcement. The leadership in any team ultimately
determines if the team is successful. The commander appoints class leaders for each class within the first few weeks of
the training. All class leaders serve at the pleasure of the commander and may be removed from that position if they fail to
provide the leadership, direction and team spirit that is required. The class leaders in a sense become the “glue” of the
team.
Each class session begins with roll call (attendance) which is taken in formation at the beginning of each session. Time
and weather permitting the cadets are taught how to march and do basic drills. Classroom decorum will be mature and
professional at all times. Classroom participation is encouraged and enhances the learning experience for all. Normal
class sessions run for 50 minutes with a 10-minute break each hour.
Some Training Units and/or Topics have a special exam following the completion of the lecture material. Firearms, subject
control and first aid are a few examples of these unit tests. Cadets are given one opportunity to re-take any failed exam,
including all unit exams, the staff and the state exams.
Cadets are also required to prepare a notebook, covering the entire training course. Cadets must take notes during the
lectures and use these notes to prepare their notebooks. These notebooks are required by the State as a condition for
certification. In addition to producing the notebook and being able to pass all written examination, Cadets are required to
pass the skilled areas of the training course, such as physical conditioning, driving, firearms, subject control, and first-
aid.
The Physical Conditioning Standard as shown herein became a requirement for all cadets several years ago. The standard
is based on age and gender is probably the single biggest reason cadets fail to complete the training course. OPOTA
currently only requires 30 class hours for this topic which is used to teach techniques, nutrition and monitor the cadet’s
progress in their personal conditioning program. An assessment of the cadet’s ability and condition is done within the first
80 scheduled hours of the program and then final assessment is done within the last 80 scheduled hours. We strongly
encouraged and work with our Cadets to develop a regular conditioning program to ensure their success in meeting this
state required condition for certification as a peace officer in Ohio. We are also adding additional training hours to better
prepare our cadets for certification.
Attendance or an excused absence is required for each class session. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission
permits the commander to grant excused absences for just cause, for a very limited number of hours. However, certain
topic areas require 100% attendance. The enclosed curriculum indicates which of the topics require 100% attendance and
the “Standards of Conduct” section of this manual informs you of your options should an emergency cause you to miss any
part of this training. You should understand and review this material frequently in the event you need to miss a class
session.
At the conclusion of all scheduled classes and after the cadet has demonstrated proficiency in all skilled training areas, e.
g. physical conditioning, firearms, driving, and subject control, the cadets will be required to pass a final staff examination.
This 200-question examination covers all material presented by the staff instructors and is a multiple choice and true/false
format, administered on the last regular schedule class session.
The state certification examination is scheduled and administered about two weeks after the staff examination by
representatives from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. A 70% score on this 200-question, multiple-choice
examination is also required.
Cadets who successfully complete the course and pass all areas of training will receive certificates from the academy and
from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Cadets, who are on the payment program, will have their certificates
and other paper work held until all fees are paid in full. Cadets who enroll as “open enrollment students” receive a “letter
of completion” from the training commission. This letter gives detailed instruction to the cadet on how to obtain the
actual certificate when they obtain a police commission. Cadets must obtain a commission, auxiliary, reserve, part-time, or
full-time within one year of the State Exam Date or will be required to take the 80 hour refresher training course. Cadets
who fail to obtain a commission within two years of the state exam date will be required to repeat the entire course before
they could become certified as a peace officer.
A graduation reception and program is held three to four weeks after the last class session, to honor the graduates.
Cadets are permitted to invite guests to this event. Special awards and recognition is given to Cadets for perfect
attendance, top gun, physical condition and the commander’s award.
Requirements for enrollment:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Although some departments prefer applicants 21 and over, enrollments are
accepted at a younger age. Some of our younger graduates begin their careers by doing undercover work for
departments, working as Correction Officers with Reserve Officer Commissions, etc.
Applicants cannot have any felony conviction. Misdemeanor convictions (other than traffic) are reviewed at the time of
enrollment.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.
Applicants must enjoy good health and obtain a medical checkup from a doctor of their choice (Additional instructions and
forms are provided at the time of enrollment)
Requirements for completion:
Cadets are also required to provided their own firearm, ammunition and related equipment items. Most standard law
enforcement caliber weapons are acceptable. More details are provided at the time of enrollment.
Cadets are required to be neat and clean in appearance and to wear the academy or department uniform (if
commissioned) to all sessions. Uniform shirts are provided by the academy. Two (2) polo-style shirts are issued to each
cadet. Additional academy shirts may be purchased by the cadet. An academy tee shirt is also issued to each cadet and
may be worn under the uniform shirt or as a dress down shirt during Firearms, Subject Control and Physical Conditioning.
Cadets may wear jeans when directed that are clean and in good repair for some classes, such as Firearms and Subject
Control. Sweat pants, sweat shirts and shorts are acceptable during Physical Conditioning. Most of these items are
available for purchase from the academy, however, cadets may wear other similar items that are in good repair and
appropriate.
Fees:
See Fee Schedule. Students provide their own weapons and ammunition in addition to tuition.
This is the training that is required by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and the Ohio Peace Officer
Training Academy (OPOTA) for all police and peace officers in Ohio. Our Course exceeds the 583 hours that Ohio has set a
minimum.
We offer both Day and Evening Sessions of the course. Our Day Class meets Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM
and all day Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Out Evening Class meets Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 10 PM and all day
Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Both groups will also have 4 or 5 Sunday Classes from 8 AM to 5 PM.
The Basic Training Curriculum is divided into thirteen (13) Units; Administration, Legal, Human Relations, Firearms, Driving,
Subject Control, First Aid, Patrol, Civil Disorders, Traffic, Investigation, Physical Conditioning and Homeland Security. Each
Unit is divided into from one to seventeen Topics, each with various hours. Each Topic also has various Student
Performance Objectives (SPOs) or learning skills that you need to learn.
We add additional hours to our program to better prepare our graduates. In addition to ASP Baton and OC Spray Training,
additional hours are allotted for Domestic Violence and Physical Conditioning. In 2008, we became the first academy to
add laptop computer training. Most modern police agencies use laptop computers and we strive to fulfill that training
need to our graduates. Those students who enroll and have their own laptop receive a substantial discount in their tuition
fees.
Overview of Course:
Team work is an important element in successful and effective law enforcement. The leadership in any team ultimately
determines if the team is successful. The commander appoints class leaders for each class within the first few weeks of
the training. All class leaders serve at the pleasure of the commander and may be removed from that position if they fail to
provide the leadership, direction and team spirit that is required. The class leaders in a sense become the “glue” of the
team.
Each class session begins with roll call (attendance) which is taken in formation at the beginning of each session. Time
and weather permitting the cadets are taught how to march and do basic drills. Classroom decorum will be mature and
professional at all times. Classroom participation is encouraged and enhances the learning experience for all. Normal
class sessions run for 50 minutes with a 10-minute break each hour.
Some Training Units and/or Topics have a special exam following the completion of the lecture material. Firearms, subject
control and first aid are a few examples of these unit tests. Cadets are given one opportunity to re-take any failed exam,
including all unit exams, the staff and the state exams.
Cadets are also required to prepare a notebook, covering the entire training course. Cadets must take notes during the
lectures and use these notes to prepare their notebooks. These notebooks are required by the State as a condition for
certification. In addition to producing the notebook and being able to pass all written examination, Cadets are required to
pass the skilled areas of the training course, such as physical conditioning, driving, firearms, subject control, and first-
aid.
The Physical Conditioning Standard as shown herein became a requirement for all cadets several years ago. The standard
is based on age and gender is probably the single biggest reason cadets fail to complete the training course. OPOTA
currently only requires 30 class hours for this topic which is used to teach techniques, nutrition and monitor the cadet’s
progress in their personal conditioning program. An assessment of the cadet’s ability and condition is done within the first
80 scheduled hours of the program and then final assessment is done within the last 80 scheduled hours. We strongly
encouraged and work with our Cadets to develop a regular conditioning program to ensure their success in meeting this
state required condition for certification as a peace officer in Ohio. We are also adding additional training hours to better
prepare our cadets for certification.
Attendance or an excused absence is required for each class session. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission
permits the commander to grant excused absences for just cause, for a very limited number of hours. However, certain
topic areas require 100% attendance. The enclosed curriculum indicates which of the topics require 100% attendance and
the “Standards of Conduct” section of this manual informs you of your options should an emergency cause you to miss any
part of this training. You should understand and review this material frequently in the event you need to miss a class
session.
At the conclusion of all scheduled classes and after the cadet has demonstrated proficiency in all skilled training areas, e.
g. physical conditioning, firearms, driving, and subject control, the cadets will be required to pass a final staff examination.
This 200-question examination covers all material presented by the staff instructors and is a multiple choice and true/false
format, administered on the last regular schedule class session.
The state certification examination is scheduled and administered about two weeks after the staff examination by
representatives from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. A 70% score on this 200-question, multiple-choice
examination is also required.
Cadets who successfully complete the course and pass all areas of training will receive certificates from the academy and
from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Cadets, who are on the payment program, will have their certificates
and other paper work held until all fees are paid in full. Cadets who enroll as “open enrollment students” receive a “letter
of completion” from the training commission. This letter gives detailed instruction to the cadet on how to obtain the
actual certificate when they obtain a police commission. Cadets must obtain a commission, auxiliary, reserve, part-time, or
full-time within one year of the State Exam Date or will be required to take the 80 hour refresher training course. Cadets
who fail to obtain a commission within two years of the state exam date will be required to repeat the entire course before
they could become certified as a peace officer.
A graduation reception and program is held three to four weeks after the last class session, to honor the graduates.
Cadets are permitted to invite guests to this event. Special awards and recognition is given to Cadets for perfect
attendance, top gun, physical condition and the commander’s award.
Requirements for enrollment:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Although some departments prefer applicants 21 and over, enrollments are
accepted at a younger age. Some of our younger graduates begin their careers by doing undercover work for
departments, working as Correction Officers with Reserve Officer Commissions, etc.
Applicants cannot have any felony conviction. Misdemeanor convictions (other than traffic) are reviewed at the time of
enrollment.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.
Applicants must enjoy good health and obtain a medical checkup from a doctor of their choice (Additional instructions and
forms are provided at the time of enrollment)
Requirements for completion:
Cadets are also required to provided their own firearm, ammunition and related equipment items. Most standard law
enforcement caliber weapons are acceptable. More details are provided at the time of enrollment.
Cadets are required to be neat and clean in appearance and to wear the academy or department uniform (if
commissioned) to all sessions. Uniform shirts are provided by the academy. Two (2) polo-style shirts are issued to each
cadet. Additional academy shirts may be purchased by the cadet. An academy tee shirt is also issued to each cadet and
may be worn under the uniform shirt or as a dress down shirt during Firearms, Subject Control and Physical Conditioning.
Cadets may wear jeans when directed that are clean and in good repair for some classes, such as Firearms and Subject
Control. Sweat pants, sweat shirts and shorts are acceptable during Physical Conditioning. Most of these items are
available for purchase from the academy, however, cadets may wear other similar items that are in good repair and
appropriate.
Fees:
See Fee Schedule. Students provide their own weapons and ammunition in addition to tuition.
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