Basic Peace Officer Academy
This program is available at the Springfield - Downtown location.The Clark State Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is designed to meet the requirements of the Ohio Police Officer Training Council (OPOTC) and is offered in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, the State of Ohio, and OPOTC. Successful graduates of this program will be recommended to take the state certification examination. Successful graduates also have the opportunity to earn college credit towards a Clark State's Criminal Justice degree.
Basic Peace Officer Training topics include administration, legal, human relations, firearms, driving, traffic, investigation, patrol, traffic enforcement, civil disorders, defensive tactics, first aid, homeland security and physical conditioning. Additional certificates may be earned for pepper spray and taser.
Four academies are offered each year; two day and two night. Attendance at all classes is mandatory. Formal class meetings for these academies are held on the Clark State Campus or at a satellite location. Firearms and driver trainings are conducted at off-campus locations. Day academies begin in March and August with classes from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening academies begin January and May with classes from 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All academies include multiple weekends with certain training events held off-site.
Additional Information and Enrollment Forms are available by calling 937-328-7960, or visiting the Police Academy Office at 100 South Limestone Street, Springfield, Ohio, Room 201A or Room 201B. If you are interested in attending the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy, please complete the online Student Enrollment Interest Form. This provides the college with a record of your interest, and you will be contacted with more information. Applicants must appear in person to enroll in the academy.
Equipment
The academy provides much of the needed equipment. During firearms training, the police academy will provide a firearm, ammunition, holster, duty belt, belt stays, ammo pouches, and gun belt for the student’s use. A gun belt with training gear that includes, among other things, training Taser and pepper spray canister will be provided to wear during class.
Cost
The cost of the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy is approximately $5575 for tuition and fees. Fees will include the required Ohio Criminal Code Handbook, some uniform apparel, and other items.
Financial Aid
If you need assistance paying for your education, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. By filing the FAFSA, you will be considered for all aid for which you might be eligible. The Police Academy is a short-term program and has different annual limits for federal grant and student loans. If you have questions about financial aid contact the Financial Aid office at 937.328.6034 or email financialaid@clarkstate.edu. Clark State provides a Delayed Payment Plan through the Cashier’s Office. The academy is approved for veterans. For more information about financial aid assistance for veterans, please call 937.328.6014.
Career Information
The law enforcement field is thriving. Advances in technology and an emphasis on homeland security have fueled a demand for a new breed of law enforcement professionals equipped to meet the changes in national security. Several rewarding law enforcement careers that are in demand in today’s security-conscious society include FBI Agent, Homeland Security, Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Armed Security, Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Court Officers, U.S. Marshal, Customs Agent, Secret Service Agent and Game Warden.
Explore CareersOutcomes and Curriculum
Upon completion of the Basic Peace Officer Academy, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in law enforcement skills necessary to fulfill the role of a police officer or sheriff deputy.
- Communicate effectively with other academy members, police officers, and other departments.
- Demonstrate efficiency in various skills required by OPOTC, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Exhibit required practical skills related to human behavior through training scenarios and practical applications.
Academic Preparation
All basic Peace Officer Training Academy students must test and meet OPOTC physical fitness standards prior to the start of the academy, and in order to be eligible to take the state certification exam.
Academic Requirements
Applicants should contact Clark State's Police Academy to obtain an application packet which will have detailed information about when and how to complete these requirements.
Admission Requirement
Academy applicants must meet stringent entrance requirements as directed by the Attorney General of the State of Ohio before admitted to the program. Requirements that must be met are:
- High school diploma or its equivalent.
- Must be 21 years of age by completion of the academy.
- If no previous college experience, must take College placement tests in reading and writing. Students must test out of college preparatory reading and writing or complete the appropriate college preparatory courses before enrolling in the academy.
- Valid driver's license.
- Submit Livescan fingerprints at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for the State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation (BCI&I) and the FBI to determine any criminal or traffic convictions that would disqualify a student from the academy.
- Complete and submit results of a drug screening.
- Obtain a physical and return a signed medical release from a physician.
- Complete physical fitness test and meet OPOTA's physical fitness standards.
Uniform Requirements
Uniforms are required for all police academy students. The uniform shall consist of a police academy shirt (supplied by the academy), uniform pants, white t-shirt, black belt, black socks, and black shoes or boots. There are no exceptions to the uniform requirement.
Mandatory Attendance
All hours of instruction in the police academy are mandatory. Any missed hours must be made up within 14 days at the cost of $30.00 an hour for instructional fees.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation is based on successful completion of OPOTA’s requirements. Upon successful completion of the program students will be eligible to take the state certification exam. Successful completion of the exam allows students to obtain a position in law enforcement.