Applications for our 2025 class will be available on Sept. 30, 2024.
Lakeland's Basic Police Academy is administered by the College in conjunction with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council (OPOTC). The Basic Police Academy is required training to become a police officer in the State of Ohio. The curriculum includes all topics required by the OPOTC, and others as determined by the Academy Commander. Attendance at all classes is mandatory. To maintain a safe and quality learning environment, the size of a police academy class will not exceed 30 students/cadets.
Please contact us with any questions.
To become a police officer in Ohio, applicants must complete a Peace Officer Basic Training Academy that is approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).
Lakeland provides an open enrollment police academy, meaning that if you meet the qualifications listed below, you are eligible to enroll in our police academy.
Find more information from the Ohio Attorney General here.
More information on requirements and minor misdemeanor exclusion.
To be eligible for admittance to Lakeland's Basic Police Academy, a student must attain the minimum score for all three skills as set on the Entrance Physical Assessment Form. Failure to meet all three skills disqualifies entry to the academy. There are no exceptions.
To be eligible to graduate from Lakeland's Basic Police Academy, a student must attain at least the minimum for all three skills as set on the Final Physical Assessment Form near the end of the Academy. Failure to meet the minimum in all three skills will result in dismissal from the academy. A chart has been given below for your reference. There will be no exceptions.
Final physical fitness standards
The cost of Lakeland's Basic Police Academy is under review and will be announced by spring 2025.
Cadets who have completed Lakeland's Basic Police Academy who have completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy final exam and Lakeland's paperwork are eligible for eighteen (18) college credit applicable to an associate of arts degree in criminal justice.
Many students ask what types of funds are available for Lakeland's Basic Police Academy. The Basic Police Academy is not a federal financial aid eligible program; therefore, federal funds (Pell Grant and/or federal student loans) cannot be used to pay tuition. There are limited scholarship funds that Lakeland's Basic Police Academy students are encouraged to apply for as well as the Charles E. Schell loan program. Applications for scholarships and the Schell loan program are in the enrollment packet. For more information, contact Lakeland's Financial Aid department.
If you are an open enrollment cadet, a firearm will be provided.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Council requires applicants to have a National WebCheck performed. The SF 102unv form is included in your application packet.
A mandatory psychological examination will take place at Lakeland Community College
Once per year.
Full-time: Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Some evenings and weekends
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please contact Lakeland's Basic Police Academy