Police Academy Application Process

Students must complete all actions in the application process listed below to be considered for acceptance into the Police Academy. We encourage you to complete actions simultaneously so that you can work through the entire process in a timely manner.

The current application is for consideration for the Spring 2022 Police Academy. To be considered for acceptance, all required tasks must be completed (including passing the Physical Fitness Assessment) and all properly filled out paperwork turned in on or before 3 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2022.

All applicants must start the process by completing and submitting the entire Police Academy application online. Online application is not compatible with Internet Explorer.

Police Academy students must also be current Tri-C students. Those who are new to Tri-C or who 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 is part of the application process and does not constitute acceptance into the 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. Testing Center locations and hours.

Choose one of the following payment methods prior to the start of the academy.

• Self-pay: Payment plans 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

Complete Pre-Screenings

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 (M.D.) osteopath (D.O.) or physician assistant (PA) licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board or by a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) licensed by the Ohio State 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 Police Academy office. Email/fax copies not 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 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 required. Hours are Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Return completed, signed original forms to the Police Academy office. Email/fax copies not 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:

• Cuyahoga Community College Campus Police and Security Services
  • Western Campus (Parma) — Mondays and Thursdays by appointment only. Call 216-987-5326 to schedule an appointment.
  • Lorain County Sheriff (9896 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria 44035): Wednesday, Friday and Sunday walk-in from noon to 5 p.m.
  • Medina County Sheriff – Call to make an appointment and to get directions 330-764-3629; clearly state that you need a National WebCheck for Law Enforcement that is direct copied to OPOTC.
  • Lake County Sheriff – (84 N. State St., Painesville 44077 side door) Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.); Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.); MUST TAKE ATTACHED FORM in addition to SF 102 Request for National WebCheck
  • Cuyahoga County Sheriff – (12100 Snow Road, Suite 15, Parma Inside Auto Title Building) Book appointment online at https://www.cuyahogacountyccw.checkappointments.com Choose BCI & FBI for Employment

Applicants must complete and pass all three physical fitness assessment (PFA) events during the same testing session and achieve results in the 30^th percentile or above — according to Cooper Institute Age and Gender Base Standards — to be considered for acceptance into the Tri-C Police Academy. Applicants who don't pass the initial assessment may retake it for an additional fee. 

See PFA dates and register.

A $25 Physical Fitness Assessment fee is due at the time of assessment (bank check or money order payable to Cuyahoga Community College). Cash not accepted.

Veteran applicants only. Each veteran applicant must submit a copy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214) to the Police Academy office. Attach 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 bmv.ohio.gove/abstract.stm (minimal fee) to the Police Academy office. Email/fax copies not accepted. 

Complete the SF104 FERPA Consent to Release Student Information Form. Email/fax copies not accepted.

Complete the SF101 Student Disclosures and Statement of Understanding. Email/fax copies not accepted.

You must make an appointment to turn in your complete application packet. Do not make an appointment until all requirements are completed, including passing the physical fitness assessment. Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays between 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or Wednesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The following signed, original forms should be dropped off at the Police Academy office (by appointment only).

Schedule drop-off time now.

• Copy of math and English assessment scores
• Completed SF114 Student Health Data Form (signed by medical professional)
• Copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214) for Veteran’s 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