Basic Police Academy Application Process
Students must complete all the actions in the application process listed below to be considered for acceptance into the Basic Police Academy. We encourage you to complete these actions simultaneously so you can work through the entire process in a timely manner.
You must be a U.S. citizen at the time the academy begins. Holding a green card or being a permanent resident does not meet this requirement.
Academy students should be at least 18 years old at the time of acceptance, but the age of 21 is recommended. Police departments are unlikely to hire cadets under 21. The College also requires all firearms be transported to and from the range by someone at least 21.
Training for the full-time academy is held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with some weekends.
Training for the part-time academy is held Monday through Thursday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with some Sunday training.
We recommend that cadets avoid taking other classes at the College during the Basic Police Academy. The academy requires a significant amount of work outside the classroom.
If you are taking academic classes during the spring and summer semesters, do not change your major until your classes have ended. If you change your major before completing classes, it may affect financial aid or scholarships.
Individuals cannot register themselves for the credit and noncredit classes associated with the Basic Police Academy. This is done by the academy office through the Enrollment Center after the roster is set.
All applicants must start the process by completing and submitting the entire Basic Police Academy application online.
Do not use a college or university email address. A personal email address will be used by OPOTC throughout your law enforcement career.
Basic Police Academy students must also be current Tri-C students. Those who are new to Tri-C or previously attended but aren’t current students must apply for regular student admission/readmission and obtain Tri-C acceptance as part of the academy application process.
Current Tri-C students must be in good academic and financial standing with the College and must provide a valid S-Number to attend the academy. Call 216-987-4200 to check your student standing. Acceptance into the College does not constitute acceptance into the Basic Police Academy.
Each applicant must take standardized math and English assessment tests, score at the college level and provide the academy with verification of test completion. Assessments cannot be taken until a Tri-C admissions application is submitted. This process is different from registration. See Testing Center locations and hours.
You can pay for the Basic Police Academy using financial aid, including a Pell Grant, student loans, scholarships or via a payment plan. Payment plans can be set up after acceptance and before the academy starts. If you plan to apply for scholarships, you must submit the required FAFSA.
Choose one of the following payment methods prior to the start of the academy:
- Self-pay: Payment plans will be set up after orientation.
- Financial aid and scholarships: Complete a FAFSA online or call 216-987-6000 to obtain a financial aid packet. *Tri-C school code: 003040; program code: S606 (degree) or S608 (Certificate of Proficiency)
- Veteran benefits
Choose “Yes” for Title IV as this will allow any financial aid funds (Pell Grants, student loans or scholarships) to pay out the credit and noncredit fees for the Basic Police Academy. The cost of the academy consists of 24 credits and a noncredit fee.
Pre-entrance screenings can be conducted simultaneously or in any order. All screenings must be completed before your physical fitness assessment (PFA).
OPOTC will only accept physical examinations conducted by a medical doctor (MD) osteopath (DO) or physician assistant (PA) licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio or by a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Complete the SF114 Student Health Data form and take it with you to the examination. The medical professional will complete the bottom portion of the form. Return completed, signed original forms to the Basic Police Academy office. Email/fax copies will not be accepted.
Each applicant must take and pass a drug screen per OPTOC standards. Community Action Against Addiction (CAAA) is the drug screen provider for the Basic Police Academy. Complete the SF147 Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Drug Screen Information and take it, along with two forms of identification and $40, to CAAA at 5209 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103. No appointment is required. The hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Return completed, signed original forms to the Basic Police Academy office. Email/fax copies will not be accepted.
OPOTC requires a background check. There is no cost to applicants for the background check. Complete the SF 102 Request for National WebCheck® form and bring it along with your driver’s license or state ID and Social Security card to one of the following locations:
- Tri-C Campus Police and Security Services
- Western Campus (Parma) — Wednesdays by appointment only. Call 216-987-5326 to schedule an appointment.
- Metro Campus Police and Services (Cleveland) — Tuesdays: 9 a.m. – noon by appointment only. Call the dispatch number 216-987-4325 and tell them you need to make a WebCheck appointment for the Basic Police Academy.
- Western Campus (Parma) — Wednesdays by appointment only. Call 216-987-5326 to schedule an appointment.
You must take the SF102 Request for National WebCheck® form, driver’s license and Social Security card for your background check. The completed SF102 must be returned to the academy office.
All court cases are opened for review by OPOTC when a background check is requested, regardless of the court’s decision or whether the case has been sealed or expunged. Obtain an official (notarized) disposition of your court case(s) through the Clerk of Courts where your case was decided to turn in with your application paperwork. Felony convictions are an automatic disqualifier.
Applicants must complete and pass all three physical fitness assessment (PFA) events during the same testing session and achieve results in the 30th percentile or above — according to Cooper Age and Gender Base Standards — to be considered for acceptance into the Basic Police Academy. Applicants who don't pass the initial assessment may retake it for an additional fee.
A $25 PFA fee is due at the time of assessment (bank check or money order payable to "Cuyahoga Community College"). Cash is not accepted.
The Police Physical Agility Test that is completed for those applying to law enforcement agencies DOES NOT MEET the PFA requirement for the academy.
Veteran applicants only: Each veteran applicant must submit a copy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to the Basic Police Academy office. Attach the document and send now.
Applicants must have a valid Ohio driver’s license with full driving privileges. Submit a certified copy of your official three-year driving record from the BMV office or the Ohio BMV website (minimal fee) to the Basic Police Academy office. Email/fax copies will not be accepted.
Complete the SF104 FERPA Consent to Release Student Information form. Email/fax copies will not be accepted.
Complete the SF101 Student Disclosures and Statement of Understanding. Email/fax copies will not be accepted.
You must make an appointment to turn in your complete application packet. Do not make an appointment until all requirements are completed, including the physical fitness assessment. The following signed, original forms should be dropped off at the Basic Police Academy office (by appointment only).
- Completed SF114 Student Health Data form (signed by medical professional)
- Copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) for veterans only (if not previously emailed)
- SF147 Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Drug Screen Information form
- Completed and signed SF102 Request for National WebCheck®
- Certified copy of three-year driving record from BMV
- Completed and signed SF104 FERPA Consent to Release Student Information Form
- Completed and signed SF101 Student Disclosures and Statement of Understanding