Bureau of Professional Development

The Bureau of Professional Development helps the Canton Police Department maintain the highest degree of professional policing for the Department. By administering ongoing training, screening new recruit applicants, and facilitating OPOTA-certified training sessions for officers, the Office of Professional Development ensures that Canton Police Officers are a cut above the rest.

Functions

Some of the functions of the Bureau of Professional Development include:

• K-9 Operations
• New Recruit Orientation
• Annual In-Service Training
• Citizens Academy
• Recruitment and Retention
• Officer Wellness

Required Training

Canton Police Officers are required by our department to attend 40 hours of in-service training each year in addition to any other training requested or required by the department. Typical topics addressed during their annual 40 hours of training include Legal Updates, defensive tactics, firearm recertification, Diversity, First Aid and CPR.

Each year the State of Ohio mandates several courses that officers must attend for their certification to remain current. These continuing professional training courses (CPTs) are administered and reported to the State by our Office of Professional Development. Topics for CPTs change yearly based on state mandates.

In addition to the above training officers complete additional training on Policy and Updates each month through PoliceOne Online Academy and Lexipol Policy Management.

Specialized Courses

Many officers also take additional training through various courses and seminars each year to improve their service to the community. These courses have included:

• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
• Officer Wellness
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Domestic Violence Response
• Gracie Defensive Tactics
• Investigative Courses
• Community Involvement

For More Information

For more information, call the Office of Professional Development at 330-489-3100.