University of Akron Police Academy

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON / SUMMIT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

POLICE ACADEMY

We are an Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission-certified academy, part of UA's College of Health and Human Sciences. We are the first open enrollment police academy in the State of Ohio to be awarded the STAR award.

We are now accepting applications for our full-time Fall Academy starting August 4, 2025.


We will have one final physical fitness test on July 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Lane Field, 519 Howe St. Akron. (Rain or shine)

We have very limited spots available, but will have a waiting list.

Application materials

Email Kathy Shaffer to make an appointment to drop off your application.

THOROUGH AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING

The University of Akron/Summit County Sheriff’s Office OPOTA Certified Training Academy is a unique collaboration in law enforcement training. The instructors will consist of both experienced law enforcement officers and well-respected University of Akron faculty members.

This academy will provide thorough and comprehensive training to develop policing skills, enhance leadership abilities, and promote a solid ethical foundation to all cadets. The program provides over 711 hours of basic training and prepares each cadet to pass the Ohio State Peace Officer’s Certification Exam.

Cadets must pass all of the following psychomotor skills to be eligible to sit for the state exam:

  • Driving
  • Handgun
  • Shotgun
  • First Aid/CPR/AED/NARCAN
  • NHTSA speed measuring device training
  • Subject control
  • Impact weapons
  • Patrol techniques
  • Building searches
  • Stops & approaches
  • NHTSA standardized field sobriety testing
  • Hazmat & WMD awareness
  • Incident command system
  • National incident management system
  • Subject-control techniques
  • Classroom training
  • Physical training
  • Scenario-based training

Also, throughout the entire training, core values of professionalism, obligation, leadership, integrity, courage, and excellence are stressed and reinforced. When the cadets complete the academy, they will enter the world of policing with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform their duties as law enforcement officials.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

The Alexander J. Rohr Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Alexander J. Rohr Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 by the family and friends in loving memory of Alex Rohr who was a student at The University of Akron and had interest in a career in law enforcement. Endowment income is available for students enrolled in the Police Academy, who have demonstrated financial need. Recipients will be selected by members of Alex Rohr’s family based on recommendations by the Office of Student Financial Aid. There will be a $1000 scholarship awarded. The funds may be used for tuition, fees or to purchase books for the classes. Click here to read more about Alex.

Note for students interested in applying for a scholarship: The Department of Development at The University of Akron does not accept applications for, or distribute, scholarships.

Prospective students

Info for prospective students Fall 2025

  • Financial Aid is available.
  • We accept military benefits.

Video: About the Academy

Commander William Holland outlines the benefits of training for a law enforcement career with The University of Akron / Summit County Sheriff's Office Police Academy.

For more information, contact:

Commander Bill Holland
Polsky 308
Phone: 330-643-2114
wholland@sheriff.summitoh.net

Kathy Shaffer
Polsky 327
Office: 330-972-8240
Fax: 330-972-5476
kfshaff@uakron.edu