Law Enforcement - Academy Option, AAS in Criminal Justice

This program is taliored for licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to seek employment outside of Ohio, please be aware that the curriculum may not meet licensure or certification requirements in other states. Each state may have additional requirements (e.g.background checks, drug screenings) that affect eligibility. 

Upon successful completion of this program, students will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to take the State of Ohio Peace Officer Certification exam. The student must meet Academy qualifications to be accepted into the program. Students must be 21 years of age by March 31st of the year they graduate from the Academy, and have a high school diploma or GED. Students under 21 years of age will have limited employment opportunities. Students will be required to submit the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Student Enrollment Certification Record, a Statement of Understanding, physical form, training waiver and liability forms. A valid driver’s license is required. Background and criminal record checks will be completed and an interview is required. Students who have a state or federal weapons disqualifier, any felony conviction, currently registered as a sex offender, arson offender, convicted of a drug offense, theft or fraud, negligent assault, or convicted of a misdemeanor offense of violence or any related offenses as a result of domestic violence will not be eligible for admission.

Policies regarding the Law Enforcement Academy are available in the Academy Student Handbook. All students entering the program must adhere to the regulations within the handbook as well as the division’s Substance Abuse Policy. Tattoos are not considered part of professional appearance and must be covered whenever you are in the practicum setting or professional role.

Program Learning Options

Learners will be able to:

1. Describe the role of the criminal justice system at local, state, and federal levels.
2. Apply codes of professional ethics and principles of ethical decision-making to case situations.
3. Analyze the fundamental theories, principles, and practices of criminal justice, including constitutional principles, judicial and correctional processes, and legal institutions.
4. Apply methods of law enforcement to traffic and speed enforcement, accidents, civil disorders, and crime.
5. Meet the requirements of the Peace Officer Basic Training and qualify for certification through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.