Frequently Asked Questions
Course Information
🤔 What is the OTOA Active Threat Response USER 16-hour course? The OTOA Active Threat Response USER 16-hour course provides officers assigned to the patrol division with the advanced tactics and core principles to respond to an active threat event and save lives.
🚀 What made this course possible? This course was made possible through the leadership and support of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The insanity of the active killer/active shooter threatens everybody. This isn’t 20/20 hindsight. This is to recognize that what we witnessed by the initial responding officers at Uvalde was unacceptable. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
👮 Who is eligible to enroll in this course? OPOTC-certified peace officers and troopers employed full- or part-time by an Ohio law enforcement agency.
💲 Is this course “FREE”? The tuition for this course is 100% reimbursed through the School Safety Grant. The agency can use the reimbursement to pay the invoice for the training. Agencies are required to pay for the training, payable to the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. Payment for this training course can be made upon completion of the training OR within 60 days of graduating.
📜 What does it mean by “Grant Funded and Reimbursed”? Upon completing the Active Threat Response User 16-hour course, the agency will submit a completed grant reimbursement form through the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Grant reimbursement forms are completed for EACH officer and signed by the Sheriff or Chief.
❌ Is backfill reimbursed under the grant? NO. This grant will NOT finance expenses incurred by the agency to backfill manpower to cover shifts.
❌ Is overtime reimbursed under the grant? NO. This grant will NOT finance expenses incurred by the agency for any overtime.
❌ Are travel, lodging, or meals reimbursed under the grant? NO. This grant will NOT finance expenses incurred by the agency for travel, travel time, lodging, or meals.
🔶 Is this course REQUIRED for officers? It is the directive from the Ohio Attorney General to have EVERY officer in Ohio, full or part-time, trained in the advanced tactics and core principles to respond to an active threat event and save lives.
🏢 Can my agency host this course? YES. Contact 📧 training@otoa.org for more information.
❌ Does OPOTA instruct this course? NO. This course was developed by and instructed by the Ohio Tactical Officers Association (OTOA).
🎒 What is the student equipment needed for this course? All equipment issued to and used by the officers in accordance with an active threat response to an active shooter.
👋 Is this course “hands-on” or lecture? This course has a short classroom presentation to set a foundation for active shooter response (lecture), and most of the training is “hands-on.”
📜 Are there any prerequisites for this course? OPOTC-certified peace officers and troopers employed full- or part-time by an Ohio law enforcement agency.
📧 Who can I contact with questions about this course? Email: 📧 training@otoa.org
❌ Is there a live-fire range day with this course? NO. There is no live fire during this course. NO live ammunition will be permitted in the training venues.
🔶 Is bringing specialty equipment and vehicles to this course recommended? YES. Specialty vehicles (🚔 armor) and specialty equipment (🛡️ shields, drones, electronics, etc.) are highly recommended.
CPT questions
🔶 Is this course OPOTA CPT approved? YES. CPT Approved for 16 hours: 3 Hours of School Threat and Safety, 13 of General hours.
❌ Is this course reimbursement the same as the annual CPT reimbursement? NO. This course is reimbursed through the School Safety Grant. The funds for CPT and the funds for the School Safety Grant are NOT the same. This course is eligible for 16 hours of CPT credit.
🔶Are OPOTA CPT hours in 2024 indeed mandated at 24 hours and UP TO 40 hours? YES, this is true! Twenty-four hours of CPT is mandatory for 2024. Up to 40 hours of CPT per officer is eligible for CPT reimbursement to the agency. Hours 25 through 40 of CPT can be claimed for OPOTC CPT-approved courses.
📧 How can this course benefit the officer and the agency for CPT credit? Officers eligible for the Tactical Team Response to Active Threat course can use the 16 hours of CPT earned from this course IN ADDITION to other approved OPOTC CPT hours—up to 40 hours of CPT max in 2024.
📧 Who can I contact with questions about OPOTA CPT? CPT questions? – email 📧 cptquestions@ohioago.com
Grant Reimbursement Form Information
📧 Who can I contact if I have questions about the grant reimbursement submission form?
❓ How does the agency submit the grant reimbursement form? Step One: Complete the AG Grant Request Form.
One (1) grant request form must be completed for EACH officer. A copy of the OTOA training certificate MUST be attached.