For Assistance, Call:
(216) 282-7928

Need Help?

1. Please start by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this page.
2. If you don’t find the answer you need:
   • Email us at office@otoa.org, or
   • Call us at (216) 282-7928.

Our staff will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours.

What is a "User" Account?

A User Account is free and provides access to OTOA newsletters and important updates, but it is not the same as an OTOA membership.

To obtain an OTOA membership, you must first create a free User Account.

Examples of Free User Accounts Without OTOA Memberships:

• Organization Administrators: Those signing others up for training but not interested in becoming OTOA members.
• Exhibitors: Company employees registering for the Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference.

Creating a User Account is the first step to staying informed and connected with the OTOA community!

OTOA Membership is Required for Training

An OTOA Membership is required to attend OTOA training. Membership is included with every training registration.

If you’re not attending training but want to access member-exclusive benefits—such as discounted training and special programs—you can purchase the Standard OTOA Membership for $30.00 USD/year.

Standard OTOA Membership

• Open to all current law enforcement, federal law enforcement, military, corrections, EMS, or Fire personnel.
• Also available to those working in law enforcement in a non-sworn position.

Step #1: Create a Free User Account
To purchase a membership or register for training, you must first create a free User Account

Health and Safety Guidelines for OTOA Training

Policing and police training come with inherent risks. Mitigating those risks requires proper planning and preparedness. The health and safety of all participants and staff are our top priorities.

Safety Measures:

• Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
• Face coverings (covering both mouth and nose) are required, except for individuals who:
  • Have difficulty breathing.
  • Cannot tolerate wearing a mask.
  • Cannot remove it without assistance.
• Health and safety screenings will be conducted before training begins.
• All participants must sign an OTOA release of liability waiver and assumption of risk form.

CDC Guidelines for Face Coverings:

• Cloth face coverings are not personal protective equipment but can help prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to others.
• Face coverings are recommended by the CDC to protect others, even if the wearer is asymptomatic.

Health Self-Assessment Before Attending Training:
Do not attend if any of the following apply to you within 14 days prior to the event:

• Close contact with anyone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.
• Experiencing any unexplained symptoms, including:
  • Fever (100.4°F or higher) or chills
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Fatigue, muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat, congestion, or runny nose
  • Headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Common Sense Prevails
If you feel unwell or meet any of the criteria above, please stay home to protect yourself and others.

Our Commitment to Safety:
OTOA training will follow all mandates from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health. We recognize that the training and preparedness of first responders are vital to our mission: Saving Lives.

How to Download Your Certificate

1. Watch this short video – [CLICK HERE]
2. Login to your account.
3. Go to your dashboard.
4. From the left-hand menu, select "Advanced Training".
5. Choose the training course you attended (full course completion required).
6. Complete the course survey/evaluation.
7. Download your certificate.

Hosting an OTOA Training Course

Hosting an OTOA training event eliminates student travel costs and allows your agency to train more personnel conveniently and cost-effectively.

Host Agency Commitments

Key Responsibilities:

• LEADS Teletypes: The host law enforcement agency must send at least one (1) LEADS teletype to the training region (following LEADS rules & restrictions).
• Venue Coordination: Work with the OTOA Training Division to secure suitable training venues for each day, such as classrooms, live-fire ranges, or specialized facilities.
• Live-Fire Range Classes: Provide a live-fire range and necessary materials, including target backers, sticks, stands, staplers, staples, and paper targets.

Free/Comp Seats Policy

• Hosting an OTOA training does not guarantee free seats for your agency.
• Complimentary seats are granted case-by-case and must be pre-approved by the OTOA Director of Training.
• No free spots are guaranteed for any event.

Venue Requirements

Classroom Needs:

• Tables and chairs for 24 participants.
• Audio/visual capabilities (LCD projector, screen, speakers, or TV with HDMI port).
• Appropriate heating, cooling, and lighting.
• Bathrooms for both male and female participants.

Live-Fire Range Needs:

• Suitable for the course.
• Must meet safety requirements.

Tactical Training Venues:

• Ideal locations include schools, office buildings, churches, or training facilities.
• Must be unoccupied during training unless pre-approved by OTOA.
• Capable of supporting training munitions (e.g., Airsoft, Simunition, UTM).

Building Specifications:

• Large open spaces for movement drills (e.g., gymnasium).
• Multiple rooms, stairwells, and hallways with multiple doorways.
• Areas for responder arrival and staging.
• Bathrooms within or near the building.
• Access to power, lighting, and running water.

Additional Requirements for Tactical Training:

• Host agencies must:
  • Coordinate with property owners and adjacent neighborhoods.
  • Post “Police Training in Progress” signage to notify the public.

Logistical Support

Pre-Event:

• Coordinate with the OTOA Training Director to secure all venues (classrooms, ranges, etc.) and handle marketing, including LEADS announcements.

During the Event:

• Assist with attendee logistics and venue-related issues, such as weather or scheduling adjustments.

Benefits of Hosting

• Convenience: Training close to home saves time and reduces costs.
• Flexibility: Opportunities for reduced-rate training when hosting.

Host a Tactical Team Response to Active Threats Course

Recommended Venues:

• School buildings are ideal. Large offices or commercial buildings are also acceptable.
• Must be unoccupied during training unless pre-approved by OTOA.
• Must support training munitions usage safely.

Commitment to Safety:
The OTOA training cadre ensures a safe training environment and maintains all venues without damage.

Ready to Host?
Contact us at training@otoa.org to discuss hosting options and requirements.