The Piqua Police Department does not require potential applicants to possess Ohio Peace Officer Training Council certification prior to appointment – training can be obtained with our agency. Uncertified candidates are required to participate in the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy. Typically, the Piqua Police Department sends candidates to the police academy at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus, Ohio, or the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at London, Ohio, but other academies may be used. The academy sessions last approximately 16 weeks. Officers who have completed basic academy and are certified as Peace Officers by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council may have this requirement waived.

After completing the academy, new police officers must complete an internal field training program, which lasts about 12-14 weeks. When field training is completed, an officer is assigned as a solo patrol unit. The officer’s progress is monitored through the remaining probationary period.