LISBON — Enrollment at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center Police Academy has increased every year for the last three years.

Les Brode, who serves as the CCCTC Academy Commander, gave an overview of the academy to the board of directors during the January meeting, noting the enrollment increase.

According to enrollment statistics, interest in the program has nearly doubled since the first year.

Adult Education Director Jenna Fox said after the meeting that the first police academy cohort was started during the 2022-23 school year with eight enrolled and six graduated that year.

By the 2023-24 school year there were 11 enrolled, of which seven graduated.

Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is currently at 15 people.

The career center started the police academy in the adult education department three years ago in order to have a place to train future officers who could serve in the county.

In November of last year Career Center Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello said there is a need for more police officers in this area.

“There is a huge demand for police officers all through Columbiana County and surrounding areas. Folks that we work with in townships and cities just do not have enough qualified candidates to even interview for police officers,” Corbisello said at that time.

The CCCTC Police Academy is a 9-month long program administered by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. Those who complete the 777 hours of training over the nine months receive an Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate.

Courses include administration and legal training, Human Resources, firearms, driving, first aide/CPR/AED training, and subject control techniques.

Interested applicants must be 21 years of age and be able to pass a drug screen and an entrance physical test in addition to meeting BCI and FBI background check requirements.

A valid driver’s license and high school graduate or equivalent is also required.

Classes are held 5-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and various Saturdays, according to the career center website, https://www.ccctc.k12.oh.us.