OPOTA Basic Police Overview

The Criminal Justice program is a unique, highly challenging, diverse, reputable, technical and theoretical educational program which trains and develops individuals who desire professions in the criminal justice fields, and provides enhanced developmental training for in-service professionals which establishes a culture of lifelong learning.

Our mission is to graduate students that will be proficient in the necessary skills required to be effective in the fields of law enforcement or corrections. The graduate will have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the State of Ohio and how to enforce those laws, the utilization of a wide variety of equipment, the understanding of how to interact appropriately with a diverse community, and to master a wide variety of skills and communication methods required to operate effectively in these fields. 

This program at Rhodes State College is known for being one of the most accelerated programs to become a police officer in the state of Ohio. Students will have the opportunity to receive certifications that are above and beyond what the state requires, helping them to become more highly skilled upon entering the workforce.

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Summer Full-Time Police Academy 

The Rhodes State Police Academy Summer 2024 academy is full.  Please click the "Request Information" button above, email enroll@rhodesstate.edu or call 419-995-8320 to get information.

Career Opportunities

  • Deputy Sheriffs
  • Police Officers
  • Park Rangers
  • Parole and Probation Officers
  • Court Bailiffs
  • Game Wardens
  • Conservation Officers

Program Highlights

  • Students will learn about all aspects of the Criminal Justice System and how it functions
  • Topics covered will be:
    • Administration
    • Legal
    • Human Relations
    • Firearms
    • Driving
    • Subject Control Techniques
    • First Aid/ CPR/ AED
    • Patrol
    • Civil Disorders
    • Traffic
    • Investigation
    • Physical Conditioning
    • Homeland Security
  • Upon completion of all required skills and testing, graduates of this program will receive an Ohio Peace Officers Certification and be prepared for the vast and constantly expanding opportunities available to them.

Professional Licensure Information

Upon completion of all required skills and testing, candidates will receive Ohio Peace Officers Certification.

Student Success Navigator

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Crystal Snyder

Student Success Navigator