(600 Hours) Financial Aid Eligible Program

The Polaris Career Center Natural Resources/Ranger/Basic Peace Officer Academy prepares candidates for police and natural resource law enforcement officer positions and other careers that require peace officer training.  This 600-hour course is conducted under the auspices of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.  The instruction will be provided by those who have experience and expertise in the field of law enforcement, natural resources, and parks and recreation.

College Credit
Students can earn technical credits toward an Associate of Technical Studies Degree in Park Ranger Policing at Cuyahoga Community College.  Additional credits can be obtained throughout the state.

The Academy Training includes:

• Administration
• Legal
• Human resources
• Firearms
• Driving
• Subject control
• First aid
• Patrol
• Civil disorders
• Investigation
• Physical conditioning
• Aerosol defense spray
• Expandable baton

As an all-inclusive Academy, the following are provided for use during the program:

• Gun belt
• Holster
• Handgun
• Shotgun
• Ammunition
• Handcuffs
• Duty bag
• Gym uniforms
• Polo shirt
• Textbook/Materials
• Expandable baton
• Aerosol defense spray
• Winter jacket
• Winter hat

Applicants must be 21 years old by the completion of the course, have a valid driver’s license and must submit to fingerprinting, a background check and a medical examination.  All state and federal guidelines dictating the carrying of a firearm and minimum physical fitness standards set by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission will be followed.

Commissioned and open enrollment applicants will be accepted.

Natural Resources/Ranger/ Basic Peace Officer Academy (OPOTA) registration procedures:

1)    Register with first payment by Wednesday, July 31, 2013.
2)    Attend mandatory orientation on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 6:00 P.M. (students will be contacted prior to this date with the location for finger printing).
3)    Successfully complete an initial physical fitness assessment (date to be determined prior to the start of the academy) – any student not passing the initial physical fitness assessment will be refunded in full.

Schedule/Tuition:

Monday – Thursday & Saturday
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (M – Th) & 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat.)
September 9, 2013 – April, 2014 (exact completion date determined by enrollment and weather; some Fridays and Sundays may be required)

Tuition Fee: $4,995
Tuition includes uniforms, materials as listed above, and exam.

Call Elaine Byrd at (440) 891-7697 or Mary Koeka at (440) 891-7653 for more information or to begin the registration process.

Program Resources

Syllabus

Sample Assignments

Gainful employment information – Student & Financial Aid Consumer Handbook

Click here to view the Gainful Employment Disclosure.