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Criminal Justice Update

Introducing OPOTA’s Mobile Academy

10/18/2012
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy is rolling out a new Mobile Academy that will make firearms, driving, and subject control courses available free throughout the state.
 
The new offerings will employ the best available technology — including three tactical firearms simulators and three tactical driving simulators — along with subject-matter experts to instruct the courses.
 
“We’ve ramped up OPOTA’s regional trainings significantly in the past two years, and by adding these new courses that address particularly high-risk situations, we’re making an even greater commitment. This kind of training enhances decision-making and saves lives,” Attorney General Mike DeWine said. “Through the Mobile Academy, we will bring this instruction right to officers’ backyards and do it at no cost to their agencies.”
 
OPOTA has taken delivery of the new firearms simulators, and the driving simulators will be ready to roll within the next few months. 
 
Firearms and use-of-force training will be offered on MILO Range Pro simulators, which can be set up in minutes within local departments. They feature about 425 scenarios, scenario-authoring software, and a library of firearms drills and exercises. The simulators use high-definition video and recoil weapons, tasers, and other realistic equipment.
 
The new PatrolSim driving simulators feature programmable dashboards able to replicate those of all popular cruisers. Instructors can use provided scenarios or build their own to focus on answering high-risk calls, conducting pursuits, clearing intersections, and other skills. The simulators are housed in climate-controlled trailers, allowing instruction to take place right next to local departments’ facilities.
 
OPOTA also offers Subject Control Update Training across Ohio. The two-day course teaches instructors the most up-to-date concepts in use of force, takedowns, weapons retention, and curriculum development and design. A new, lightweight mat has allowed OPOTA to offer the training at any facility with room to accommodate the class.
 
The Mobile Academy also will encompass existing regional trainings that help local agencies contain costs and keep officers close to home. In the one-year period ending June 30, OPOTA offered 157 regional courses to 6,467 peace officers at locations around the state. 
 
OPOTA will continue to provide courses at its London and Richfield campuses — 613 sessions for 14,279 students last fiscal year — and offers more than 70 courses online through eOPOTA.
 

Learn more

To schedule regional firearms, driving, and subject control courses in your area, send an e-mail to AskOPOTA@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
 
To view other regional, London, Richfield, and eOPOTA training opportunities, visit