In an effort to standardize the training of Ohio’s peace officers, Attorney General Mike DeWine asked the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) to adopt a set of pre-certification standards for academies.
“It is time for uniformity of qualifications for all peace officer basic training applicants in Ohio,” DeWine said at a Dec. 8 press conference. “Many academies have already adopted these pre-certification standards. It is important that these increased standards be used by all academies.”
During its January meeting, OPOTC considered the request and voted to approve the addition of drug screening for applicants to the basic training academies. The testing requirement will become effective July 1.
OPOTC also decided to further research the other pre-certification standards, which were recommended by the Ohio Attorney General’s Advisory Group on Law Enforcement Training in an April 2015 report:
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A psychological exam to confirm that the applicant has the right psychological makeup to serve as a peace officer.
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A truth verification test, such as a voice stress analysis (VSA) or polygraph.
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A physical fitness assessment.
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Additional criminal disqualifiers.
At an OPOTC meeting on Nov. 12, Reginald A. Wilkinson, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and chairman of the advisory group, said he is pleased by the progress OPOTC is making on the panel’s recommendations.
The changes made as of the November review:
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Applicants for peace officer training are required to have a diploma or GED.
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OPOTC set an order of topics to be taught in basic training. The change will be mandatory on July 1.
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Lesson plan content is to be taught in its entirety.
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The minimum number of hours for basic training has been raised from 605 to 653.
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Implicit bias, procedural justice and Blue Courage have been added to basic training.
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A mental health panel will take part in basic training.
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Significant hours of scenario-based training activities have been added to basic training.
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Advanced training on legal updates, community-police relationships and mental-health have been made critical subjects of Continuing Professional Training.