To get my OPOTA or to not get my OPOTA ( Ohio Academy "license" for police officers

[explorerking91]

I am currently in college and I have three questions. One would be what kind of classes would be beneficial to take on top of my criminal justice degree?

Also, Should I get my OPOTA certification and go through the academy that way I can apply ( and hopefully gain a position as a police officer ) or should I just go through a major police department's academy that is hiring and I make it?

If I already have my OPOTA would I still have to go through a major police departments academy in order to become a police officer in that city?


Thank you for your help and Stay Safe!

[brog0000]

I went through an OPOTA academy and I had to pay for it. Honestly I wish I would of went through a department, because they pay you when yo go through. I was looking at Columbus Division of Police, and I understand that they pay you to go through it. If you went through the OPOTA academy and say wanted to apply at Columbus, you would still have to go through their academy I'm told. I don't know what part of Ohio you are in, but I'm in a part where jobs are slim pickins, and I was lucky enough to get a decent paying job. (After working for a year as a reserve!!) If you are looking at a larger department, just go through their academy, IMO. As for the college classes, I am currently taking a lot of classes that are heavy in writing, and public speaking.

[explorerking91]

Thanks I really appreciate your advice!