Basic Police Academy 2024 Application
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 is $4,525 for Lakeland graduates, $5,025 for in-county students and $5,440 for out-of-county students. There is also a non-refundable application fee of $250 due when you submit your application.
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
Need help with the physical needs and skills required to successfully complete the Basic Police Academy? The Tactical Athlete program through Lake Health's Sports Performance department can help. Contact the Tactical Strength and Conditioning program offered by Lake Health for a consultation at 440.352.1200 and choose option #2.
I graduated with my associate degree from Lakeland while at the same time graduating as Valedictorian from high school. I plan to attend the Holden University Center to complete my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Layce Artman College Credit Plus
One thing I really love about Lakeland and being in the honors program is that the teachers have small classes and they are very devoted to their students. My friends at four-year institutions are taking the same intro classes that I am, but in large lecture halls with a lot more students. Michelle Timms Associate of Arts