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WSCC offers basic academy

By Michele Newbanks

Staff Reporter

This fall, those seeking to become law enforcement officers will have the chance through the Peace Officer Basic Academy at Washington State Community College.

Dr. Jona Hall, dean of transfer and public services at WSCC, said through the academy, a person will learn everything they need to know to become a law enforcement officer to patrol the streets.

This academy is different from those in the recent past, as classes will be held in the evenings Monday through Friday.

“Monday through Friday is mandatory attendance, with some weekends,” Hall said. “That’s the draw on this particular academy. It’s an evening academy for people who work during the day.”

To sign up for the academy, a person would need to apply to become a student at WSCC and go through enrollment as a typical student would, added Hall.

Classes start Aug. 16 with the regular semester. Some 26 credit hours are earned, with 13 credits earned in each of two semesters.

According to the college, applicants must pass a criminal background check, physical fitness test and drug screening to qualify for the academy.

Successful completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission’s certified Peace Officer Basic Academy program is a requirement for employment as a law enforcement professional in Ohio.

Physical fitness tests will be held in June and July at the Williamstown High School track.

Dates and times are:

¯ 9 to 11 a.m. June 26.

¯ 6 to 8 p.m. June 27.

¯ 9 to 11 a.m. July 10.

¯ 6 to 8 p.m. July 11.

¯ 9 to 11 a.m. July 17.

¯ 6 to 8 p.m. July 18.

Chief Deputy Mark Warden of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve had several officers over the years be instructors for the academy.

“We have some at the jail certified to teach at the Corrections Academy,” he added.

Warden said they teach everything police officers would do in their day-to-day jobs.

“I taught civil unrest, (tactical) driving and firearms training, defensive tactics, de-escalation and crime scene processing,” recalled Warden.

He said it was pretty fulfilling sharing knowledge he had obtained through years on the job.

“Putting that knowledge with the curriculum is pretty powerful,” he said.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

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