Law Enforcement Academy

The Collins Career Technical Center Law Enforcement Academy provides OPOTA-approved Basic Peace Officer Training designed to prepare cadets for real-world service in Ohio communities. Over 740 hours of instruction, cadets develop the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to begin a career as a sworn officer in Ohio.

The academy combines classroom learning with hands-on practice in firearms, defensive tactics, driving, investigations, traffic enforcement, and critical incident response. Cadets are taught by experienced law enforcement professionals who emphasize ethics, accountability, and community-focused policing from day one.

This program is well-suited for:

• Recruits planning to enter law enforcement
• Career changers looking for a structured path into policing
• Security and corrections officers seeking to transition into sworn roles
• Graduates who complete all academy requirements and pass the OPOTA state certification exam are eligible to work as peace officers in Ohio.

The establishment of a law enforcement academy in Lawrence County, Ohio, is a strategic investment in the safety, professionalism, and future of policing in our region. Aspiring officers here have historically faced obstacles such as limited access to certified academies and long travel distances, creating financial and logistical burdens for both departments and candidates.

By training locally at Collins Career Technical Center, cadets can:

• Access high-quality, OPOTA-approved instruction close to home
• Build relationships with local agencies throughout the academy
• Learn in a program designed around the needs of rural and Appalachian communities

The academy is developed in close partnership with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies, aligning instruction with current policing priorities, including drug enforcement, crisis intervention, and community-oriented policing. The goal is to prepare officers who are rooted in the area, committed to long-term service, and ready to uphold integrity, accountability, and public trust.

Law enforcement officers in Ohio do much more than respond to calls. They are problem-solvers, community partners, and leaders in public safety. Graduates from the Law Enforcement Academy may go on to:

• Patrol neighborhoods, businesses, and roadways to deter and detect crime
• Conduct traffic enforcement, including stops, citations, crash response, and impaired driving enforcement
• Investigate crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare cases for prosecution
• Respond to emergencies, including domestic violence, mental health crises, and critical incidents
• Engage in community policing, building relationships with residents, schools, and local organizations
• Assist other agencies in multi-jurisdictional operations, task forces, and emergency responses

Throughout the academy, cadets learn how to apply Ohio law, follow policy, and make sound decisions that protect both the public and themselves.