Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy (OPOTA)

Public Service Technologies The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy program is sanctioned under and has been approved by the Ohio Attorney General's office. OPOTA certification is a requirement for the law enforcement and court professionals carrying a firearm on the job. The evening academy will run approximately 22 weeks with some weekends involved. Requirements for admittance into an Ohio peace officer academy are:

Background check. Cadets are required to submit to and satisfactorily pass a criminal history background check. No one will be admitted into the academy if they have any of the following convictions:

Domestic violence
DUI/DWI
6-point warning letter from Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Prior arrest record

1. Physical conditioning. At the conclusion of the academy, cadets must meet pre-determined age/gender physical conditioning requirements for:

Sit-ups
Push-ups
1.5 mile run

2. Registration requirements.

High school diploma or GED
Must be 18 years of age or older
Complete Washington State application and testing process
Hold a valid driver's license
Attend the mandatory orientation/information session

Cost: Attendance at the academy is approximately $3,000. Students will register for college classes at Washington State and receive approximately 25 hours of college credit for completion of the academy and the passing of the OPOTA certification exam. Financial aid is available for eligible students to cover the institution.

Cadet Responsibilities. Cadets will be responsible for supplying the following items:

Handgun
Handcuffs and case
Holster, belt, flashlight and holder
Magazine holders and ammunition pouches
Three speed-loaders or three magazines
Copy of current Ohio Revised Code
First-aid book

Reciprocity. OPOTA is recognized be West Virginia for certification purposes. Individuals seeking to obtain reciprocity need to complete study of West Virginia state codes in addition to completing OPOTA.

Courses
Course listings with descriptions of each class may be found in the Washington State Community College Catalog. www.wscc.edu (.pdf)

Contact to LEARN MORE:
Tom Dent, Commander
740.374.8716 Ext. 1706
tdent@wscc.edu