The Marion Law Enforcement Academy is for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.  Marion Law Enforcement Academy graduates have demonstrated a high pass rate on the state certification exam and are employed in law enforcement positions throughout the state.

In order to become employed as a peace officer in Ohio, an individual must successfully complete state-mandated training and pass the certification examination sponsored by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy [OPOTA]. Eligibility to sit for the state certification exam also includes successful completion of a physical fitness assessment - Ohio Peace Officer Physical Assessment Standards.

The Academy is conducted in a semi-military format following strict rules and regulations. Academy classes, with the exception of physical conditioning, meet Monday through Friday evenings (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for approximately six months (September - April). To successfully complete the Academy, students must complete a specified number of hours following strict rules and regulations, which are outlined in the Marion Law Enforcement Academy Application.

More than 30 law enforcement personnel from a multi-county area instruct the Academy courses. Academy instructors are local law enforcement professionals who are OPOTA certified in a specific area.

The Law Enforcement Associate of Technical Studies degree includes courses that are required to become employed as a peace officer in Ohio. An individual must successfully complete the state-mandated training and pass the certification examination sponsored by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA).

Marion Technical College offers the state mandated curriculum to become a certified peace officer in Ohio through the Marion Law Enforcement Academy. The courses are offered Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Upon successful completion of all academy requirements, students will be eligible to take the OPOTC exam.

Students who want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree may apply a portion of the Marion Law Enforcement Academy credits toward the degree.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

What am I expected to learn?

• demonstrate an understanding of basic law enforcement skills, criminal justice techniques, and problem solving methodologies
• describe and apply current laws (federal, state, & municipal) to various situations involving crimes and/or civil offenses
• apply learned information, concepts, and theories to successfully investigate crime/accident scenes, conduct interviews and interrogations, provide reports and courtroom testimony as needed, and interface with appropriate law enforcement professionals and/or agencies
• demonstrate the safe and effective use of firearms, unarmed self-defense methods, and first aid

Admission Standard

In addition to general college admission, the Marion Law Enforcement Academy requires individuals to meet specialized admission criteria such as a physical examination and background investigation.