Sheriff, Opota and getting started

[Mackzzz]

Hi, I am looking at getting into law enforcement and have applied to a few police departments and am considering sheriffs departments (I wil be moving to Ohio). With this being said, does being hired by a sheriffs department (on average) in corrections lead to becoming a deputy. Will a department allow you to go to an academy at your own cost while being a corrections officer. Also, do many sheriffs departments hire deputies without Opota certifications. Thanks.

[LittleLamb]

I know two Delaware County recruits who are in Columbus Police’s Academy. You might try their department. Union County requires an OPOTA cert to be hired. I believe Franklin County is on a minimum of 7-8 years in their jail before you can get on patrol with them.

[jfortman]

Every county will be different. I'm not sure how the bigger counties are , but the smaller will not hire you as a deputy without certification. I guess it comes down to what shift you are on, and are you able to complete the academy with that shift. Smaller departments usually take a few years from the jail to the road; however, ive seen it done in as little as 6 months when some got lucky. It's going to be entirely based upon where you get hired on at.