Criminal Justice – POBA

The Academy is 26 semester hours. Successful completion results in a State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. This option does not qualify for federal financial aid except for the GI Bill.

You will be required to complete 30 semester hours and is comprised of 26 semester hours for the POBA certificate as well as English and Physical Fitness classes. Successful completion results in a college level certificate that may be applied toward completion of an associate or bachelor degree and the State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. This option does qualify for federal financial aid and the GI Bill.

POBA Certificate Information

You will be required to complete the 26 semester hours necessary for the Academy, plus an additional 42 semester hours which includes Criminal Justice related topics, English, Communications, Psychology, and other associate-degree specific courses. Successful completion results in an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and the State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. You may opt to transfer your credits toward completion of a bachelor degree. This option does qualify for federal financial aid and the GI Bill.

1. Background check. Applicants are required to submit to and pass a criminal background check via the National Webcheck system within 90 days of the start of the academy. Disqualification based on criminal convictions is determined by OPOTC.
2. Drug Screening. All prospective students must submit to a 5 panel drug screen at the testing facility established by Washington State Community College within 90 days of the start date of the academy.
3. Physical Examination. All prospective students must submit to a physical examination within six (6) months of the first day of OPOTC topics by a medical doctor (MD), osteopath (DO), physician's assistant (PA), or certified nurse practitioner (CNP), licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board or the Ohio State Board of Nursing.
4. Physical conditioning. In order to be accepted into the academy, all prospective cadets are REQUIRED to pass a pre-academy physical fitness test. This test is identical to what you are tested on at the end of the academy (push ups, sit ups, 1.5 mile run) except the pretest is at 15% of the Cooper Standard. The final test is at 50% of the Cooper Standard.

Registration requirements.

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years of age or older (a minimum age of 19 or 20 is recommended by WSCC)
• Complete Washington State application process
• Complete OPOTC's application process
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Attend the mandatory orientation/ information session

All potential cadets must follow the below checklist.

Step One

• Meet Commander Browning
• Receive tri-fold and SF195 PT Form
• Receive PT date/time/location form
• Take PT test pass or fail P/F

Step Two

• Apply for admissions with WSCC and provide an official high school transcript/GED score report
• Complete SF195
• Complete student information form
• Complete forms and return to commander

Step Three

• Obtain financial aid or other means of payment
• Complete and sign WSCC course registration form

Step Four

• Email forms and instructions for:
  • National Web Check
  • Drug Screen
  • Medical Physical
• Receive Forms
• Provide information on mandatory orientation

Step Five

• Attend mandatory orientation and receive 3 day audit forms SF115 SF101 SF104