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Ohio Police Training Panel to Discuss New Requirements
By: Associated Press
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LONDON, Ohio (AP) – Ohio’s police training commission is studying additional requirements for prospective police officers, including a physical fitness test and stricter criminal background rules.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has asked the commission to beef up standards for applicants as part of efforts to improve policing in the state.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission planned to discuss the requirements at its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday in London, about 30 miles west of Columbus.
One issue involves adding crimes to a background check that could bar a person from becoming an officer, other than the current felony convictions.
Some police chiefs worry this could restrict the pool of applicants.
In January, the commission made screening tests mandatory for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and opiates such as heroin.