Serve. Protect. Strengthen.
Build community trust while protecting lives and upholding justice.
Serve, protect and make a real difference as a leader in your community. From patrol and investigation to crime prevention and problem-solving, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to help others.
Secure your future in public safety with Owens’ Professional Law Enforcement Officer, AAS program, backed by Ohio’s premier training academy. Founded in 1970, the Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academy holds a 99.4% completion rate among community colleges, with agencies nationwide actively recruiting our graduates.
This degree combines rigorous police academy training with a strong academic foundation, providing both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for law enforcement success.
Essential qualities for serving and protecting:
- Integrity: Uphold the law with fairness and honesty.
- Communication: Build trust, listen effectively and de-escalate conflicts.
- Resilience: Stay focused and effective under pressure.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
You’ll benefit from expert instruction from professionals within the field of law enforcement, including attorneys, police officers, deputy sheriffs, corrections officers, probation and parole officers, and state and federal agents.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Criminal Justice
Required Credit Hours
60-63
Real Outcomes
4
Semesters including full-time Basic Peace Officer Academy training
43
Criminal Justice/Police Science certificates awarded each year
99.4 %
Completion rate for enrolled cadets—one of the most successful programs in Ohio
Build Your Foundation in Law Enforcement
Your first two semesters focus on general education and criminal justice courses for a strong foundation in criminal law, court procedures, victimology and professional standards. Semesters three and four consist of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy, a state-mandated program required for all Ohio peace officers. Due to state requirements, specific prerequisites must be completed before entering the academy portion. Please contact your program advisor to discuss your options.
Throughout the program, you’ll build your understanding of crime through criminal justice, criminology, sociology and psychology courses. You’ll also strengthen communication and analytical skills through English and mathematics.
In the Basic Police Academy sequence, classroom theory meets practical application. Train in essential law enforcement procedures, including patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics, criminal investigation and high-tech equipment operation. You’ll also learn to read crime scenes, write comprehensive reports and handle any situation with confidence.
Career Outcomes
What truly sets this program apart is the integration of the state-mandated police academy into your degree. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Ohio Peace Officer Certification Exam. Passing this exam qualifies you for employment and gives you a competitive edge in the hiring process.
Although not every agency requires an associate degree, earning one can mean higher starting pay, more career options and greater opportunities for advancement. You’ll be prepared to step into roles such as police officer, deputy sheriff, corrections officer, juvenile justice specialist, probation assistant or campus security officer.
You might also focus on crime prevention, private security or community policing—or continue your education to prepare for advanced roles in criminal justice and federal law enforcement.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“I had good experiences with the staff here. If anyone is thinking about criminal justice, this is where to start. They’ve got great people running the program and teaching classes, people who have done it with real-world experience.”
Sharon Downes, Criminal Justice, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ohio Attorney General – Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC). Accreditation is ongoing with unannounced on-site inspections by an OPOTC Field Representative. Complete on-site inspections are done every three years. The last full on-site inspection was conducted in February 2017.
For more information concerning accreditation standards, contact the Ohio Attorney General, 30 East Broad Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, phone: (800) 282-0515 or (614) 466-4986, web: ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Interest Card
To be eligible for this program, you will be required to pass a physical fitness test, background/criminal history check, physical examination and drug screening.
Interest card application periods for the Toledo-area Campus:
- Spring Academy: July 1 – September 6
- Fall Academy: February 1 – April 30
Email or call us at (567) 661-7621 with any questions.
Fill out our online interest card and we’ll send you more information.
Ohio Peace Officer Training Fitness Assessment Standards
You must achieve the minimum fitness assessment standards for your gender and age.
| Males (≤ 29) | Females (≤ 29) | ||||
| Exercise | Start | End | Exercise | Start | End |
| Situps (1 min.) | 32 | 40 | Situps (1 min.) | 23 | 25 |
| Pushups (1 min.) | 19 | 33 | Pushups (1 min.) | 9 | 18 |
| 1.5-mile run | 14:34 | 11:58 | 1.5-mile run | 17:49 | 14:07 |
| Males (30-39) | Females (30-39) | ||||
| Exercise | Start | End | Exercise | Start | End |
| Situps (1 min.) | 28 | 36 | Situps (1 min.) | 18 | 27 |
| Pushups (1 min.) | 15 | 27 | Pushups (1 min.) | 7 | 14 |
| 1.5-mile run | 15:13 | 12:25 | 1.5-mile run | 18:37 | 14:34 |
| Males (40-49) | Females (40-49) | ||||
| Exercise | Start | End | Exercise | Start | End |
| Situps (1 min.) | 22 | 31 | Situps (1 min.) | 13 | 22 |
| Pushups (1 min.) | 10 | 21 | Pushups (1 min.) | 5 | 11 |
| 1.5-mile run | 15:58 | 13:11 | 1.5-mile run | 19:32 | 15:24 |
| Males (50-59) | Females (50-59) | ||||
| Exercise | Start | End | Exercise | Start | End |
| Situps (1 min.) | 17 | 26 | Situps (1 min.) | 7 | 17 |
| Pushups (1 min.) | 7 | 15 | Pushups (1 min.) | 4* | 3* |
| 1.5-mile run | 17:38 | 14:16 | 1.5-mile run | 21:31 | 17:13 |
| Males (60+) | Females (60+) | ||||
| Exercise | Start | End | Exercise | Start | End |
| Situps (1 min.) | 13 | 20 | Situps (1 min.) | 2 | 8 |
| Pushups (1 min.) | 5 | 15 | Pushups (1 min.) | 1* | 8* |
| 1.5-mile run | 20:12 | 15:56 | 1.5-mile run | 23:32 | 18:52 |
*Modified form per OPOTC