CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is hosting a walk-in recruitment event at their Chillicothe Post on July 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Below is information about the event, along with historical context about the Patrol, current employment details, and relevant crime statistics.
The Chillicothe Post, located at 201 Hospital Road, Chillicothe, will open its doors for an open house recruitment event. Attendees can tour the facility, meet troopers, interact with recruiters, and explore Patrol equipment and vehicles. This event is part of OSHP’s ongoing efforts to attract service-minded individuals for cadet class 178, with applications accepted through July 15, 2025. For more details or to apply, visit https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/recruit/index.aspx.
Established in 1933, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, primarily responsible for traffic enforcement and promoting roadway safety across Ohio. Over the decades, its role has expanded to include specialized units such as Aviation, Special Response Team, Crash Reconstruction, Criminal Patrol, and Investigative Services, which handle crimes on state-owned or leased properties, digital forensics, and executive protection for the governor. The Patrol also oversees driver’s license and commercial vehicle regulations through its License and Commercial Standards unit. With a mission to protect life and property, OSHP is an internationally accredited agency operating through nine districts, each with local posts like Chillicothe.
OSHP employs a diverse workforce, including troopers, dispatchers, forensic specialists, and administrative professionals. As of recent updates, the Patrol is actively recruiting to fill positions for its 178th cadet class, emphasizing community engagement through regional recruitment liaisons in each district. The hiring process is selective, involving knowledge and physical fitness tests, polygraph examinations, and psychological and medical evaluations. Troopers like Tyler L. Boetcher, named the 2024 Chillicothe Post Trooper of the Year, exemplify the Patrol’s commitment to leadership and community service. Employment opportunities are promoted at events like the Chillicothe open house, where candidates can learn about career paths and benefits. In 2024, OSHP recognized employees like Forensic Computer Specialist Daniel P. Maher for their contributions, showing the variety of roles available beyond traditional trooper positions.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol compiles extensive data on traffic and criminal activities. According to 2024 reports, OSHP responded to significant incidents, including 16 fatal crashes resulting in 16 deaths during the July Fourth period. The Patrol’s Office of Investigative Services has been active in combating online child predation and internet crimes, with recent operations targeting these offenses. In 2024, forensic specialist Daniel P. Maher conducted 644 digital forensic examinations, analyzing 258.44 terabytes of data across 150+ cases, showcasing OSHP’s role in digital crime investigations. Additionally, the Patrol’s Criminal Patrol unit, active in areas like Chillicothe, focuses on intercepting illegal activities such as drug trafficking and stolen vehicle recovery, with troopers like Boetcher earning awards for their efforts. Statewide crash data is available through OSHP’s Crash Retrieval System, which logs reports from all Ohio law enforcement agencies for statistical analysis.