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

Prerequisite Requirements

Participants enrolling in the Active Shooter Response Train-the-Trainer program must possess prior training and demonstrated competency in tactical response and instructional delivery. At a minimum, students should have successfully completed one or more of the following courses or equivalent certifications: OTOA Active Shooter Response (Patrol), Active Shooter Response (Tactical Teams) or equivalent.  Contact the training office if you think you have met those requirements. 

Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of active threat response principles, small-unit tactics, and safe weapons handling, along with prior experience in teaching or facilitating adult learning environments. Documentation of prerequisite training may be required before acceptance into the course.

This Train-the-Trainer course is specifically designed for front-line law enforcement officers who have already completed the 2-day Active Shooter Response (Patrol) or Active Shooter Response (Tactical Teams) course. It builds directly on that foundational training, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver effective, consistent Active Shooter Response training at their home agencies.

The course seamlessly integrates evidence-based classroom principles with practical, skill-based tactics. It emphasizes the patrol officer’s primary mission: saving lives through rapid, mission-driven response. Training culminates in immersive, reality-based scenarios that incorporate de-escalation tactics grounded in an understanding of human behavior.

Key Topics Covered

• Principles of responding to active threats
• Safety Priorities considerations during active threat response
• Constitutional use of deadly force and appropriate de-escalation methods
• Two mission-driven tactics for active threat response
• Coordination with additional responding officers, including plainclothes personnel
• Instructional techniques for teaching the curriculum effectively
• Safety protocols for classroom, range, and force-on-force training
• Curriculum execution, lesson planning, and progression of skills
• Documentation, student evaluation, and liability mitigation best practices

• 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
• ALL EQUIPMENT utilized for deployment to active shooter event, duty belt, vest carrier, patrol rifle (if available)
• Issued Firearms - Pistol & Rifle (used for practice - NO Mags & NO Ammo)
• NO Tasers, NO Batons, NO OC Spray in classroom
• Clear wrap-around eye protection (Mandatory for force-on-paper scenarios)
• Gloves suitable for weapon manipulation
• Pen and notebook, laptop/computer recommended.
• Water and food - No meals provided
• OTOA will provide Training Pistols/Rifles, Appropriate Safety Equipment, and Training Munitions for Scenario-Based Training.

Start Time: Class begins promptly at 8:00 AM and concludes at 5:00 PM. The course spans a minimum of 8 hours per day and is structured to ensure comprehensive coverage over two 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.

• Comprehend trends in active threat incidents
• Apply Safety Priorities concept during active threat response
• Understand Leadership components and Ad-Hoc Incident Command to effectively mitigate Active Shooter events
• Grasp the “active dying” concept and the urgency of immediate response
• Understand the Constitutional Use of Deadly Force and strategies for de-escalation
• Learn to coordinate with uniformed and plainclothes officers, avoiding friendly fire incidents
• Practice safe gun handling and mission-driven tactical responses
• Effectively teach the material through teach-back scenarios and practical exercises
• Deliver safe, professional, and well-documented training at their own agency
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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.

Attendees are responsible for their lodging, transportation, and food.