Peace Officer Basic Training
Short-Term Certificate
Overview
COTC’s Peace Officer Basic Training Academy exceeds the requirements of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and positions students to excel on the state certification exam to become a peace officer in Ohio. Graduates also earn credits toward an associate degree in law enforcement technology.
Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
Upon completion of the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy, you will sit for the state certification exam for peace officers. Since 2014, all COTC peace officer basic training graduates have passed the state certification exam — that’s a 100% pass rate. COTC has also ranked in the top two open-enrollment police academies for passing the state certification exam since 2017.
By completing this course, you:
- expand your potential job opportunities in law enforcement
- build a strong foundation for academic progression in law enforcement
State of Ohio approved OPOTC STAR Training Center
COTC is designated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as an approved STAR Training Center. This designation creates a professional standard and an incentive for excellence among current or future OPOTC-approved basic academies in the state of Ohio. OPOTC-approved basic academies who voluntarily seek the STAR designation demonstrate their belief that “Raising the Bar” is essential in producing top cadets to the law enforcement agencies who employ them, and the communities that they serve.
Flexible Schedule Options
| Accelerated Program | Part-Time Program | College Academy | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | One semester (15 weeks) | Two semesters (nine months) | 20 weeks | |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. some nights/weekends |
Monday–Friday
5:30–10:30 p.m. some weekends |
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–5 p.m. some nights/weekends |
|
| Starts | Spring Semester | Autumn Semester | Summer Semester | |
| Location | Newark | Newark |
Newark |
|
Admission Requirements
To be admitted, you must be at least 18 years old and meet the peace officer basic training program requirements below.
In addition to tuition and fees, you are required to purchase and wear a uniform. You are charged a one-time $250 fee for ammunition (fee subject to change without notice due to price changes by the manufacturer).
Peace Officer Basic Training Admission Requirements
Peace Officer Basic Training Admission Requirements
1. Apply to COTC.
Complete the free COTC admission application if you are a new or returning student, and accept your admission to the college.
2. Make financial plans.
- If you plan to use financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA. COTC’s school code is 011046.
- If you plan to use Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, contact Mark Rose in our student financial services office at rose.1691@mail.cotc.edu.
- If your employer is paying for you (not reimbursing you), contact Krystal Ramey in the student financial services office at ramey.245@mail.cotc.edu.
3. Submit official high school transcripts/GED transcripts.
High school diploma: Contact your high school to request your official transcripts be sent to COTC. Transcripts can be submitted as follows:
- Emailed directly from high school personnel to: cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu
- Mailed to:
Central Ohio Technical College
ATTN: Student Records
1179 University Dr.
Newark, OH 43055
GED: Request your GED transcript directly from the GED Transcript Request Service.
College: Unless you plan to earn a degree from COTC, you only need to send high school transcripts. College transcripts do not need sent at this time.
4. Take the physical conditioning entry testing.
You must attend the physical conditioning entry testing and pass the standards required by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) no more than 150 days before the start of the academy you wish to attend. Testing is conducted twice a month.
5. Attend an information meeting.
Once you have passed the physical conditioning entry testing, you must attend a mandatory information meeting. Registration for information meetings will be provided after passing the physical conditioning test.
6. Complete the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) enrollment packet.
The OPOTC enrollment packet is provided at the mandatory information meeting.
7. Complete online orientation.
You will receive an email within one week after applying to COTC directing you to complete online orientation. Orientation is required to enroll in classes.
Credit for What You Know
COTC recognizes that college-level learning can happen outside of a college classroom. We value your life experience by turning it into college credit that can be applied toward a certificate or degree.
If you are currently an Ohio Certified Peace Officer, you may be eligible to receive college credit for the peace officer basic training courses with eligible documentation of current peace officer status.
Plan of Study
Accelerated Program
Accelerated Peace Officer Basic Training Academy
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required in all criminal justice technology courses to proceed in subsequent criminal justice, law enforcement and public service courses and to graduate from the criminal justice technology program.
Total Credit Hours: 28
|
Wellness I* |
1.5 |
|
|
Human Relations* |
3 |
|
|
Criminal Law* |
4.5 |
|
|
Administration* |
2 |
|
|
Subject Control* |
2 |
|
|
Investigations* |
2 |
|
|
Homeland Security* |
1 |
|
|
Patrol* |
4.5 |
|
|
Firearms* |
2 |
|
|
Traffic* |
3.5 |
|
|
First Aid* |
0.5 |
|
|
Driving* |
1.5 |
|
|
|
Total |
28 |
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Part-Time Program
Part-Time Peace Officer Basic Training Academy
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required in all criminal justice technology courses to proceed in subsequent criminal justice, law enforcement and public service courses and to graduate from the criminal justice technology program.
Total Credit Hours: 29.5
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Wellness I* |
1.5 |
|
|
Human Relations* |
3 |
|
|
Criminal Law* |
4.5 |
|
|
Administration* |
2 |
|
|
Subject Control* |
2 |
|
|
Homeland Security* |
1 |
|
| Total | 14 | |
|
Spring Semester |
||
| LET-166 | Wellness II* | 1.5 |
| LET-282 | Investigations* | 2 |
| LET-298 | First Aid* | 0.5 |
|
Patrol* |
4.5 |
|
|
Firearms* |
2 |
|
|
Traffic* |
3.5 |
|
|
Driving* |
1.5 |
|
|
|
Total |
28 |
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Outcomes
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the peace officer basic training program at Central Ohio Technical College is to prepare qualified individuals for entry-level positions as peace officers through knowledge-based learning, demonstrated skills proficiencies, experiential learning through structural simulation, and practical experience in an ethical and professional manner consistent with federal, state and local laws enabling them to meet the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission requirements and allowing successful graduates of the program to take the state certification exam.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate competency requirements in entry-level positions as a certified law enforcement officer.
- Demonstrate knowledge through the study of general education courses with enhanced communications skills (both written and spoken) and a comprehensive knowledge of human behavior dynamics through the behavioral science courses.
- Identify and demonstrate problem-solving skills that will correlate to those they will be challenged by as a law enforcement officer upon employment.
- Perform their duties in an ethical and professional manner with highest regard for the U.S. Constitution and the rights of others.
- Develop independent and lifelong learning and working habits.
- Prepare to meet state requirements for state certification as a peace officer.
Continue Your Education
Credits earned in the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy count toward COTC’s Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy?
Students who enroll in the accelerated program complete the academy in one semester (15 weeks). Students who enroll in the part-time academy complete the academy in two semesters (nine months).
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
Classes in the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy require hands-on learning and are only offered face-to-face, so you should plan to be on campus to complete this degree.
What financial assistance is available?
The accelerated and part-time peace officer basic training academies are not eligible for financial aid. Exception: Students enrolled in the academy while earning an associate degree in law enforcement technology are eligible for financial aid. The accelerated and part-time peace officer basic training academies are eligible for the Talent Ready Grant to assist you in covering the cost of tuition and fees (up to $2000).
Learn more about the talent ready grant
For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.
What is the correct form for push-ups and sit-ups for the academy?
Push-up form:
Sit-up form:
