The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) in London opened its doors to the public, showing how Ohio’s law‑enforcement officers prepare for the most dangerous calls they may face on the job. In a segment aired on News Center 7, instructors walked the crew through a series of realistic search scenarios and demonstrated the precision required for a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver.
Certification and training requirements
“Our main goal here at OPOTA is to train for confidence, not completion,” said James Cyphers, the academy’s executive director. Cyphers explained that every peace officer in Ohio must complete a mandatory 24‑hour Continuing Professional Training (CPT) program each year. “Those hours are legislative, they’re the law in Ohio, and all of those hours are accounted for and go through the state,” he said. “We keep track of it, and we certify everybody.”
State support for officer safety
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson praised the academy’s efforts, noting that the rigorous training helps keep officers, their partners, and the public safe. “To keep themselves safe, to keep each other safe, and to keep the public that they’re in charge of protecting safe,” Wilson said.
What trainees saw
During the visit, participants observed officers practice building searches, vehicle extractions, and controlled‑force techniques. The PIT maneuver demonstration highlighted how drivers can safely bring a fleeing vehicle to a stop without endangering bystanders.
Why it matters for Ohio communities
By ensuring that every officer meets the state‑mandated training standards, OPOTA helps maintain public confidence in law enforcement across Ohio’s cities and towns. The academy’s focus on realistic, high‑stakes scenarios prepares officers to respond effectively when lives are on the line, reinforcing the safety of families and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
