The Criminal Justice Training Academy in Building 19 has a huge resource in Sinclair Community College, according to Training Coordinator Pete Willis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an excellent academy, and this college does everything it can to make it a successful program,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Willis believes he can provide his cadets with useful resources and training because of the college.\u00a0 He regularly brings in members of other college departments to teach or enhance the learning environment.<\/p>\n
For example, an athletics teacher will instruct cadets in boxing.\u00a0 Also, an English professor will teach cadets how to write a professional report.\u00a0 Some theatre students, who are paid for their time, will role-play with the academy cadets to give them experience in human relations.\u00a0 This also gives everyone a chance to hone their skills, Willis said.<\/p>\n
The State of Ohio requires cadets to undergo a minimum of 582 hours of training as of Nov. 1, 2007.\u00a0 The academy at Sinclair requires additional training; Willis estimates that cadets will train nearly 700 hours before receiving their certificate.\u00a0 Cadets attend a day or night class for four to six hours a day six days a week, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to make the academy your first priority,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
All training, including courses not required by the state, is mandatory, according to Willis.\u00a0 One course involves the dos and don\u2019ts of K-9 handling, he said.\u00a0 During the class a \u201cbite suit\u201d is available for cadets to wear so the dog can demonstrate.\u00a0 Many cadets are eager to wear the suit, according to Willis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dog will grab them by the arm and pull them to the ground,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He points out that the program is not a typical college class.\u00a0 Law enforcement is a dangerous job with potentially dangerous consequences and Willis said he will not tolerate anything less than that mindset for his cadets.<\/p>\n