Peace Officer Basic Academy - POBA

The successful completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission's (OPOTC) certified Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA) program is a requirement for employment as a law enforcement professional in Ohio. The academy's nearly 700 hours of state mandated training is available in two formats at Washington State. The annual evening academy runs Monday thru Friday evenings and some weekends, taking 8 months to complete. The annual day academy runs Monday thru Friday, no weekends, taking 4 months to complete.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMITTANCE INTO OUR PEACE OFFICER BASIC ACADEMY ARE:
-Background check. Applicants are required to submit to and pass a criminal history background check. Disqualification based on criminal convictions is determined by OPOTC.
-All prospective students must submit their fingerprints via the National Webcheck Law Enforcement system within 90 days of the start date of the school.
-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 school.
-All prospective students must submit to a physical examination within 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.
-Physical Conditioning at the conclusion of the academy, cadet must meet pre-determined age/gender physical conditioning requirements for:
Sit-ups
Push-ups
1.5 mile run

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
-High school diploma or GED
-Must be 18 years of age or older (a minimum age of 19 or 30 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

PROGRAM OPTIONS

OPTION ONE: ACADEMY ONLY
Attendance consists of 23 semester hours that comprise the Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA). Successful completion results in a State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdiction in Ohio. This option DOES NOT qualify for federal financial aid except for the GI Bill.

OPTION TWO: ONE-YEAR COLLEGE CERTIFICATE
Attendance consists of 30 semester hours that comprise the POBA certificate issued by Washington State Community College. This includes English and Physical Fitness classes in addition to the academy's 23 core semester hours. Successful completion results in a college level certificate that may be applied toward the completion of an associate or bachelor degree by 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.

OPTION THREE; ASSOCIAE DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Attendance consists of 23 semester hours that comprise the POBA requirements and the remaining 42 semester hours include additional Criminal Justice related topics, English, Communications, Psychology, and other associate-degree specific courses. Successful completion results in a college level certificate that may be applied toward completion of a 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.

CADET RESPONSIBILITIES:
Most equipment and uniform needs are provided by Washington State. Each cadet must provide a rain jacket, running pants and eye/ear protections. Attendance and participation throughout the Academy is demanding and mandatory.

Reciprocity OPOTC's Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA) training is recognized by West Virginia for certification purposes subject to provisions set forth by the WV Division of Justice and Community Services. Similar reciprocity may or may not exist with other states.

CONTACT TO LEARN MORE:
Admissions
740-568-1900
admissions@wscc.edu

JOHN BURDETTE, DIRECTOR
Center for Public Safety Training
740-568-1936
jburdette1@wscc.edu