COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) has unanimously approved a comprehensive overhaul of police training standards, marking a significant step forward in preparing officers for the complexities of modern law enforcement.

The reforms, based on recommendations by Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Police Training, aim to equip officers with the skills and tools necessary to navigate the evolving challenges they face.

“Law enforcement officers face unprecedented challenges daily, and it’s our duty to equip them with the best-in-class training and support they deserve,” Yost said. “We have updated training in pieces, but now with the commission’s approval, we can wholistically overhaul the training criteria to better equip officers with the training and tools they need to protect themselves and Ohioans.”

The task force, convened in the fall of 2023, identified key areas for improvement, including:

  • Modernizing the Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) curriculum
  • Establishing certification levels that reflect an officer’s training and experience
  • Creating a Tactical Patrol Officer Program
  • Integrating new technologies and reality-based scenarios into training
  • Focusing Continuing Professional Training (CPT) on advancing police services
  • Expanding annual firearms qualifications

OPOTA Executive Director Tom Quinlan, who chaired the task force, emphasized that the recommendations are not a criticism of previous training but rather an updated roadmap for the future.

“It is important to note that the recommendations are interdependent, and the best results will be realized when the combined strategies complement one another over time,” Quinlan added.

The approved changes will impact the basic academy level, including adjustments to physical fitness standards and curriculum modifications. The new curriculum will incorporate courses on active shooter response, critical decision-making, de-escalation, communications, and incident debrief.

Implementing the recommendations will require amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code, and Yost’s office will collaborate with the General Assembly to ensure the necessary changes are made.