Police Academy

Police Academy

This program will adhere to all State of Ohio OPOTC standards.

The Polaris Career Center Police Academy prepares candidates for police and natural resource law enforcement officer positions and other careers that require peace officer training. This 765-hour program 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.

The Academy training includes:

• Administration
• Legal
• Human relations
• Firearms
• Driving
• Subject control techniques
• First aid/CPR/AED
• Patrol
• Civil disorders
• Traffic
• Investigation
• Physical conditioning
• Homeland Security
• OC spray skills
• Taser skills
• Safety

This all-inclusive academy will provide the following during the program:

• Academy uniforms (except shoes and black belt) including the following: two shirts, two pairs of pants, one sweatshirt, one pair of sweatpants, one jacket, one knit hat and one duty bag
• Use of duty belt with accessories (holster, magazine pouch, handcuff case, etc.)
• Use of handgun and ammunition
• Use of shotgun and ammunition
• Use of expandable baton
• Use of chemical repellent spray (OC/Pepper Spray)
• Use of taser

Requirements for Completion:
 

• A "C" average (70%) or higher is required for non-OPOTA hours 
• Attendance rate not less than 90% is required for non-OPOTA hours
• Required attendance for OPOTA hours is 100%.  Any time missed is required to be made-up at the expense of the student within two weeks of time missed.
• Payment of all outstanding obligations to the school
• Successfully pass all state proficiency standards (2 attempts)

Students registered in the Police Academy will also adhere to the policies presented in the PEACE OFFICER BASIC TRAINING STUDENT HANDBOOK administered by the State of Ohio.

Certifications/License:

• Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)
• AHA First Aid & CPR/AED
• Collapsible Baton Certification
• Taser Certification

Requirements for licensure:

• To be eligible for OPOTC certification as a peace officer, students will need to successfully complete certain skill-based student performance objectives (SPO’s), meet higher physical fitness assessment standards, and pass a written state certification exam (SCE) showing knowledge of cognitive-based SPO’s. Each student is given two opportunities to pass each proficiency.  Must pass at 70% or higher.

• AHA First Aid & CPR/AED

Requirements for Employment:

• OPOTC certfication is required for anyone securing a job as a peace officer.
• High school diploma, GED certificate or its equivalent
• Must be 21 years of age

 
Career Opportunities:

• Police Officer
• County Sheriff
• Park Ranger
• Wildlife Officer
• Hospital-based Police Officer
• Security

Requirements and Prerequisites to Register
Students may register once all prerequisite requirements listed below are met. Students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 21 years of age by the completion of the program
• Show proof of a valid driver’s license
• Show proof of current automobile insurance
• Complete a physical exam with satisfactory results (after April 1, 2020)
• Complete and pass the State of Ohio required physical fitness assessment
• Complete a satisfactory drug screening test 
• Complete a background check with satisfactory results (no felonies or serious misdemeanors)

Contact the Adult Education department to schedule the physical fitness assessment by calling 440-891-7653 or 440-891-7697.

Once a student has satisfactorily completed all prerequisites, the student may register in-person by following the admission procedures as listed on page 14.

Qualifies for CT2 College Credit

Fall 2020 - Evening & Saturday
Program Orientation: Monday, August 31, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
September 1, 2020 - June 2021 (exact completion date determined by enrollment and weather; some Fridays and Sundays may be required)
Monday - Thursday & Saturday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (M - Th) & 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat)

Total Program Cost $7,495: includes Tuition: $6,456, Books & Supplies: $492, Materials & Assessments: $547

Cost includes textbooks, uniforms (except shoes and black belt), all supplies and state examination fee.  Students can expect the following additional costs: physical exam, drug screening, uniform shoes, black belt and any make-up hour costs.
 

Police Academy 2020-2021 Advisory Members

Ms. Tanya Czak, Parma Heights Police Department
Mr. Sean Flanigan, Stark Enterprises
Sgt. Phil Forrest, Southwest General Health Center
Chief Timothy Franczak, Village of Linndale
Chief Joseph Grecol, Notre Dame College Police Department
Lt. Joseph Han, Notre Dame College Police Department
Mr. Jared Magyar, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
Chief Matthew Vanyo, Olmsted Township Police Department