The Zane State College Peace Officer Training Academy prepares individuals to hold themselves to a higher standard, developing character, integrity and professionalism throughout the process. Providing carefully curated, adaptable, and innovative learning experiences, we create a clear pathway to a career that is essential in today’s world. Many of those who began the Peace Officer Training Academy as Cadets have graduated as leaders ready to be the voice of reason and change agents in the community they serve. Throughout our history, the Zane State Academy has placed thousands of graduates into law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio and many other states. Many Cadets are commissioned by local law enforcement agencies, BUT that shouldn’t stop you from taking advantage of open enrollment.
Entrance to this Academy is competitive and potential Cadets must complete a physical fitness exam, pass a background investigation, a drug screen and attend an information session. Please note that just because you have been accepted to Zane State College you are not accepted into the peace officer training academy—don’t get too worked up, we have resources to help you excel. If you are someone who does the right thing even when no one is around, who cares about society and wants to make a positive difference in the world you are the right individual for this academy.
COMING SOON: Drone Training for crowd control
On-site firing range to fully support the cadets with engaging in situations they could face in the future.
Certificate pairs well with our Criminal Justice degree, as several classes overlap
Here are the Academy orientation dates. All potential Cadets must attend at least one of these sessions:
Information sessions will begin promptly at 5:30 pm, Main Lobby in Health Science Hall, on Zane State College Campus.
To become a Peace Officer in Ohio, applicants must complete a Peace Officer Basic Training Academy that is approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. The Zane State Peace Officer Academy has been an approved academy since 1979.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Pass the Academy pre-physical fitness exam, which consists of timed sit-ups, push-ups and 1.5 mile run at the 15th percentile (see PT requirements)
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug screen
• Complete the admissions process for the academy
The Zane State Peace Officer Academy runs part-time Fall Semester and Spring Semesters (late August to late May) and takes approximately 9-months to complete. Currently, the basic curriculum of 738 hours with additional hours for Cadet career enhancement (TASER, defense spray certification, patrol rifle) will be covered.
Estimated tuition is $5,256. In addition to tuition, cadets are required to have a laptop computer, a thumb drive, boots or shoes and a belt that are black in color, 5.11-style pants, at least two ZSC Peace Officer Academy uniform polo shirt, a pair of running shoes, physical fitness clothing and ammunition (1,000 rounds of 9mm,75 rounds of 12 ga. Buckshot, 25 rounds of 12 ga. Slugs). If they already have these items, it will reduce the cost. Because you earn college credit toward an Associates of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice, you may qualify for financial aid.
To become eligible to be certified as a Peace Officer, applicants must successfully pass the physical fitness requirements, skill assessments and state certification examination. Once that occurs, Cadets may become Peace Officers upon being commissioned by a law enforcement agency.
The Criminal Justice degree program prepares students for and enhances career and promotion potential within criminal justice and related fields. The degree program emphasizes areas the study such as criminal law, corrections, constitutional law, investigations, victimology, defensive tactics, defensive driving and firearms.
The Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) is required training for anyone wishing to be a certified peace officer (Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Natural Resources Officer, etc.) in Ohio.
Yes, if you successfully complete the Peace Officer Academy, you will receive 24 credit hours of academic credit towards the Criminal Justice Associates of Applied Science degree. The Criminal Justice Associates of Applied Science degree is a 63-credit hour program.
No, because the Peace Officer Academy is a state certification. Cadets must complete the entire Academy in order to obtain the State certification.
Dr. John Gibson
Click here for program materials
Applicants will need to contact Dr. Gibson before completing any of the forms.
FERPA Consent to Release Student Information
Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Drug Screen Information
A “behind the scenes” glimpse into what it’s like to be a Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology student at Zane State College.
I loved how, being an Academy Cadet, I was held to a higher standard. I had never worn a uniform before, let alone having it inspected prior to each class. This, combined with the interpersonal skills from working as a team throughout my academy experience, boosted my confidence level both personally and professionally and made me feel part of something bigger than myself. Passing the physical fitness exit exam and state certification exam made me feel as if I was on top of the world!” – Katerie Barnett, Peace Officer, Academy Class of 24/25
Zane State College EEET Program Graduation Data
Zane State College EEET Program Enrollment Data
Background checks are completed and submitted to Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) prior to acceptance into the Peace Officer Training Academy (POTA). Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence will not be eligible for the Peace Officer Training Academy. All POTA instructors are certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Students who successfully complete the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and pass all mandatory assessments are eligible to take the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Certification Examination.
