1

Police Academy Instructor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Required Certification: Ohio Peace Office Training Commission certification. Additional Position Information: * Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the needs of the school are met.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Academy Instructor information

See Ohio salary details

$5

$21

$36

How much do police academy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for police academy instructor in Ohio is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.62 and $27.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police academy instructor?

A Police Academy Instructor is responsible for training and educating new recruits and active law enforcement personnel. They teach various subjects, including firearms handling, criminal law, self-defense tactics, and departmental procedures. Instructors typically have extensive law enforcement experience and certifications in specialized training areas. Their role ensures that officers are prepared to uphold the law, handle real-world situations, and maintain public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police academy instructor?

To thrive as a Police Academy Instructor, you need substantial law enforcement experience, a deep understanding of criminal justice principles, and instructor certification, often supported by completion of specialized police training courses. Familiarity with firearms training simulators, defensive tactics equipment, and modern law enforcement technology is essential. Outstanding communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities help instructors engage recruits and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualifications ensure effective training, safety, and the professional development of new officers entering the field.

What are some typical challenges faced by police academy instructors?

Police Academy Instructors often encounter the challenge of balancing rigorous training standards with the diverse learning needs of recruits from various backgrounds. They must ensure that all trainees master critical skills under pressure while maintaining safety and discipline in both classroom and practical settings. Effective instructors also need to stay current with evolving law enforcement best practices and regulations, which requires ongoing professional development. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those passionate about shaping competent, ethical law enforcement professionals.

What are popular job titles related to Police Academy Instructor jobs in Ohio?

For Police Academy Instructor jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Academy Instructor jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Academy Instructor jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Police Academy Instructor job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,567 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Full Time Police Academy Commander

Lorain County Community College

Elyria, OH • On-site

$69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Lorain County Community College rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is seeking an experienced, student-focused law enforcement professional to serve as Police Academy Commander. This full-time leadership position is responsible for the administration and daily operation of the LCCC Police Academy, ensuring compliance with all Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) standards and state regulations.
The Commander will also oversee LCCC's OPOTA Close to Home Regional Training Program, providing leadership for advanced law enforcement training and fostering strong partnerships with local, state, and regional public safety agencies.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all OPOTA-approved LCCC Police Academy programs.
  • Serve as the Academy Commander of record with OPOTA, ensuring full compliance with all applicable standards, audits, reporting requirements, and recordkeeping.
  • Coordinate with the assigned OPOTA Field Agent and maintain effective communication regarding Academy operations and compliance matters.
  • Develop and manage Academy schedules and training calendars while ensuring appropriate student-to-instructor ratios and efficient use of facilities.
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Academy instructors, promoting excellence in instruction and a culture of professionalism.
  • Collaborate with the Academic Dean to develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget.
  • Work collaboratively with campus departments and external law enforcement partners to coordinate facilities, equipment, and training resources.
  • Advise, mentor, and support prospective and enrolled cadets throughout the admissions process and Academy experience.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, student-centered learning environment that promotes professionalism, accountability, integrity, and student success.
  • Ensure the proper accountability, security, maintenance, and storage of Academy equipment, firearms, ammunition, and training resources.
  • Coordinate and oversee the scheduling and delivery of OPOTA Close to Home advanced regional training courses.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to support recruitment, training partnerships, and workforce development.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
,Required Qualifications
  • High school graduate or possession of a "General Education Development" certificate; and
  • Seven years of experience as a full-time law enforcement officer, two of which must be a full-time law enforcement supervisor.
  • Completion of ninety quarter hours or sixty semester hours at an accredited college or university.; and
  • Professional references from three current police administrators of the rank of lieutenant or above; and
  • No convictions for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, sexually oriented or child-victim-oriented offense, or any other peace officer disqualifying offense.
  • Hold an OPOTA teaching certificate
  • Completion of a commander training program approved by the executive director upon hiring.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Experience instructing or leading a state-certified police academy.
  • Experience administering OPOTA-approved training programs.
  • Experience developing partnerships with law enforcement agencies and coordinating regional training initiatives.
  • Experience managing budgets, compliance documentation, and audits.

Compensation
Starting from $69,200 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and established pay practices.
Includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage; participation in state pension programs or alternative retirement plans; tuition assistance; generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays); and access to onsite childcare, free parking and fitness facilities.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials:
  • Cover letter
  • Current résumé
  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon hire)
  • Contact information for three to four professional references

Incomplete application files will not be considered.
The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete appropriate background checks prior to employment.
About LCCC:
Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. For six decades, LCCC has served the diverse needs of greater Lorain County region by providing affordable access to higher education and now serves approximately 13,000 students each year in certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Since 1963, one in four Lorain County residents have taken classes at LCCC and more than 43,000 have earned a degree. LCCC was recently ranked in the top 10% of most affordable colleges in the nation and more than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio. 45% of Lorain County's high school graduates earn college credits through LCCC's high school dual enrollment programs. LCCC also partners with more than 700 employers and offers 170 industry-recognized credentials to better prepare the workforce for the future.
LCCC is a dynamic, student-centered college intentionally designed to support individuals with balancing multiple roles on their path to college completion. 85% of LCCC students work while attending college, with majority working at least half-time. The average age of LCCC's students is 24, and many bring life experiences that include caring for dependents, serving in the military, or completing some prior college. Over 80% of LCCC students received financial assistance through grants and scholarships, and LCCC has been nationally recognized for holistic, fully integrated services and commitment to student success.

What Lorain County Community College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom