Criminal Justice – POBA

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 provides the 740 hours of training mandated by the state. Most equipment and uniform needs are provided by the college. Each cadet must provide a rain jacket, running pants, and eye/ear protection. Attendance and participation throughout the Academy are demanding and mandatory.

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.

Upcoming POBA PT Exam Dates:

Exam Location: Williamstown High School Track

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Successfully complete the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Academy assessments and be awarded certification as a law enforcement officer from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
• Develop a knowledge base of the three elements of the criminal justice system (courts, corrections and law enforcement) and the ability to effectively collaborate with each of the respective elements for the benefit of society.
• Apply issues of criminal law and constitutional law to situations and events in employment to ensure that the civil and constitutional rights of citizens are preserved.
• Effectively communicate with individuals from various racial, cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Recognize emergency situations that necessitate law enforcement intervention by Social Work agencies.
• Analyze information, evidence or clues received from various sources and develop theories for the prevention or solving of crimes.
• Maximize effectiveness for the criminal justice agency through the use of technological advances (i.e. computers/forensic science).