MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) is proud to announce that its Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA) has achieved a 100% complete passage of both the Physical Fitness (PT) exam and OPOTA exam. This milestone highlights the dedication and hard work of the recent graduates as well as Commander Scott Trussell’s commitment to training successful cadets.
“WSCO’s POBA program has always fallen within the 90th percentile; however, the additional physical fitness Commander Trussell has added to the daily routine, has proven to benefit the program outcomes,” said Jona Rinard, Dean of Technology and Transfer. Trussell, leading his first academy at WSCO, has played a vital role in setting high standards and ensuring the cadets’ success. “His focus on enhancing physical fitness routines has been instrumental in achieving this perfect pass rate,” Rinard added.
Passing the PT and OPOTA exams are a requirement for the POBA program to ensure the cadets are prepared for the physical demands of a law enforcement career. In addition to the rigorous fitness component of the academy, cadets enrolled in the POBA program at WSCO receive in-depth training that goes beyond physical fitness to ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for their careers.
“Cadets enrolled in our program complete weekly assessments on classroom content, complemented by hands-on training that reinforces practical skills. Our students also benefit from training by local law enforcement professionals who are currently active in the field,” Rinard stated.
By utilizing local law enforcement professionals as instructors, the WSCO POBA program has cultivated strong partnerships and developed valuable networking opportunities for students. “Our POBA program has gained a high level of respect among local agencies. They support our work and the cadets who aspire to become law enforcement officers. Many of our students receive job offers from these agencies before they even graduate,” Rinard emphasized, highlighting the program’s strong community ties and career opportunities.
WSCO provides a pathway to further a cadet’s career and education opportunities by offering credits toward a Criminal Justice degree, enabling cadets to continue their studies and earn an Associate Degree. Financial aid is also available for those in need, making the program accessible to all students.
The impressive achievement of a 100% first-time pass rate for both required exams underscores the effectiveness of WSCO’s POBA program and serves as a testament to the exceptional training and preparation provided, positioning WSCO’s POBA program as a leader in law enforcement education.
For more information about the POBA program at WSCO, contact Commander Scott Trussell at strussell@wscc.edu.
