Special to 1808Delaware
On Thursday, June 20, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost presented the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) with a STAR Certification for the Division’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy.
During the certification presentation at the Justice Center (229 Huber Village Blvd.), AG Yost congratulated cadets stating, “I respect you, I’m proud of you, and I know you will make our society proud when you hit the streets.”
WPD received the designation for going above and beyond the call of duty and providing excellence in training. To achieve the designation, the Division and Academy underwent a rigorous review of its policies and methods by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). According to OPOTA, STAR designation standards include the following:
- Ensure that 85% of eligible cadets pass the State Certification Exam.
- Ensure that 85% of eligible cadets pass the physical fitness assessment in the 50th percentile or higher.
- Conduct periodic academic assessments – no fewer than four – to gauge cadets’ retention of performance objectives.
- Provide training above minimum hours in three or more high-risk topics, such as Search and Seizure, Crisis Intervention and Building Searches, for at least 15 cumulative hours.
- Maintain or pursue the use of tech training/exposure for students, such as body cameras and drone technology.
Learn more about WPD at police.westerville.org.
Source: City of Westerville
