The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) Basic Peace Officer Training Academy offers a local solution for certifying peace officers, providing comprehensive training tailored to the evolving demands of modern law enforcement. As the landscape of policing continues to change, officers must demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Led by the experienced WPD staff and supported by personnel from local police departments and top law enforcement instructors, the Westerville Police Academy (WPA) is dedicated to preparing officers to effectively serve their communities. Our academy emphasizes the importance of building trust with the public, upholding the law with honor, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Cutting-Edge Training Facility

The WPD Justice Center is a 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility located at 229 Huber Village Blvd. The facility features a 10-lane firearms range, use-of-force simulator and a fully equipped fitness center to support training and wellness.

View the following video from NBC4 of the immersive training experience provided by WPD's use-of-force simulator, the only one of its kind in central Ohio:

Award-Winning Instruction

WPA provides comprehensive instruction that adheres to guidelines established by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) and regulated by the WPD Professional Standards Bureau. To successfully graduate from the academy, cadets must complete a 24-week curriculum resulting in more than 900 hours of instruction.

The WPA is a recipient of a STAR Certification, awarded by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. WPD received the designation for going above and beyond the call of duty and providing excellence in training. To achieve the designation, WPD and the WPA underwent a rigorous review of its policies and methods by 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

Graduating Classes

Since 2023, the WPA has prepared 32 recruits to become certified peace officers. Cadets have represented communities throughout central Ohio, including Westerville, Hilliard, Delaware, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Plain City, Grandview Heights, as well as Genoa Township, Franklin County Metro Parks, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

 For more information, contact joinwpd@westerville.org.