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 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.

Why choose COTC?

State of Ohio approved OPOTC STAR Training Center

Man in suit holding star shaped sign next to man in polo shirt holding certificateCentral Ohio Technical College has received designation 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, Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (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.

COTC is the only central Ohio academy to receive this designation and fifth in the state of Ohio.

Flexibility

The peace officer basic training academy has three schedule options a student can choose from:

Accelerated Program
  • Complete in one semester (15 weeks).
  • Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (with some weekend and/or evening classwork as needed).
  • Academy begins every January (spring semester) at the Newark campus.
Part-time Program
  • Complete in two semesters (approximately nine months).
  • Classes are held Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. (with some weekend classwork as needed).
  • Academy begins every August (autumn semester) at the Newark campus.
College Academy
  • Complete in approximately 20 weeks.
  • Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with some nights and weekends required).
  • Academy starts in May (summer semester) and ends in October.

Student Success

Peace Officer Basic TrainingSince 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.

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Steps to Enroll in Peace Officer Basic Training

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.

Apply

2. Get your financial plans in order.

  • 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. 

Register

5. Attend an information meeting. 

Once you have passed the physical conditioning entry testing, you must attend a mandatory information meeting. The sign up 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.

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Peace Officer Basic Training – Learning Outcomes

Statement of Purpose

POBT Students with instructorThe 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to enroll in the peace officer basic training academy, do I need to register for and attend an information meeting? 

Students interested in Peace Officer Basic Training must first sign up and pass the entry physical conditioning test. After successful completion of the physical test, you will receive a link to schedule your mandatory information meeting. During this meeting, you will meet with the academy commander to complete all required OPOTC paperwork.

Physical conditioning entry testing must be completed within 150 days of the start of the academy in which you intend to enroll.

Why do I need to register for and attend an information meeting?

Students must complete certain requirements to enroll in the peace officer basic training academy. Information meetings are held to go over the requirements in detail. 

Examples of requirements include (but are not limited to):

  • A fingerprint background check by the state of Ohio, a check by the State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation (BCI&I) and the FBI to determine any criminal record such as felonies or any domestic violence convictions which would disqualify the student from the training. 
  • A completed pre-test screening of the physical conditioning requirements, including a signed waiver acknowledging the consequences of not passing the final physical conditioning test before the written final exam.

Are there any age requirements to take classes in the Peace Officer Basic Training program?

Students must be 18 to enroll in Peace Officer Basic Training.

If I am already a peace officer does that qualify me for college credit?

Students who are currently Ohio Certified Peace Officers may be eligible to apply credit to the peace officer basic training academy, and must provide documentation of current peace officer status.

Can I take classes online or face-to-face?

The peace officer basic training academy includes hands-on learning and face-to-face classes.

What are the physical requirements to enter the Peace Officer Basic Training program?

Students should review the Basic Training Physical Fitness Assessment Chart based upon their age and sex. The 15th percentile is the minimum entry standard to enter the Peace Officer Basic Training program or academy at COTC; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to exceed those standards. The 50th percentile is the standard to successfully exit the academy.

What is the correct form for push-ups and sit-ups for the academy?

Push-up form:
Frequently Asked Questions
Sit-up form:
Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses are there in addition to tuition?

Students in the law enforcement technology program — and the peace officer basic Training academy — are required to purchase and wear a uniform. 

How do I get started at COTC?

Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started. 

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Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award

Portrait of Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr.

The Officer Thomas W. Cottrell, Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service is given out at each Peace Officer Basic Training graduation ceremony during the academic year. The selection of the recipients is based on many factors including, but not limited to, academic success and overall leadership and character.

The $1,000 award assists the recipient with equipment purchases and other expenses associated with beginning a career in law enforcement. 

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Blue Line Superhero Run

5K, 10K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run

A man running on a path through campus gives a thumbs up.

The Blue Line Superhero Run, a collaboration between COTC and the Licking County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), honors law enforcement personnel as they begin National Police Week. Proceeds from the Blue Line Superhero Run will benefit COTC’s Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service and the LCSO’s Stuff the Backpack fund.