OPOTC-certified peace officers, deputies, and troopers employed full- or part-time by an Ohio law enforcement agency.

This course develops safe and effective pistol and rifle deployment in close-quarters environments, emphasizing the safety of officers, suspects, and bystanders. Training covers carry positions, solo and team operations, decision-making, and de-escalation techniques. Reality-based scenarios reinforce techniques for managing compliant and non-compliant subjects, ensuring officers are prepared for dynamic, high-risk encounters.

This course involves the use of training cartridges - NO LIVE FIRE

Topics and disciplines covered

• A safe and contemporary approach to the “close-quarters” environment
• Conventional and unconventional weapons carry positions
• Strong emphasis on the individual officer, suspect/subject, and uninvolved person(s) safety
• Tactics, techniques, and procedures for compliant and non-compliant individuals
• Working solo, with a partner, or with a team
• Force on paper “shoot” – “don’t shoot” decision-making drills
• De-escalation tactics
• Tactical decision-making

• NO LIVE AMMUNITION OR MAGAZINES PERMITTED WITHIN THE TRAINING ENVIRONMENT OR CLASSROOMS
• ALL TRAINING RIFLES WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE OTOA FOR SCENARIO-BASED EXERCISES
• Duty or Individual-owned rifle/carbine with sling (NO LIVE AMMO)
• Duty or Individual-owned semi-auto pistol (NO LIVE AMMO)
• Duty belt with holster or a concealed holster
• Patrol External Body Armor/Vest Carrier (if applicable)
• Handheld flashlight
• NO Tasers, NO Batons, NO OC Spray
• Protective gloves suitable for holding and firing a pistol and a rifle
• Training appropriate attire
• Wrap-around Eye Protection
• Baseball-style hat / billed cap
• Food / Water - No meals provided
• Note-taking material
• OTOA will provide Training Pistols/Rifles, Appropriate Safety Equipment, and Training Munitions for Scenario-Based Training.

Start Time: Each day begins promptly at 8:00 AM. The course spans a minimum of 8 hours per day and is structured to ensure comprehensive coverage over multiple days.

Note: Students will receive a scheduled lunch break; however, lunch will not be provided. Please plan accordingly and bring your own food and beverages.

If you are allergic to bees, outdoor plants, or animals, please bring your epinephrine pen or other medication.

Life-threatening allergies and pre-existing injuries or conditions must be reported to the OTOA training staff on day one of training.

Students are responsible for their ammunition, lodging, transportation, and food.