Rep. Brennan Announces Increased Funding for Police Training

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Brennan (D-Parma) today announced that the state of Ohio is increasing its funding of annual peace officer continuing professional training (CPT) from 50% to 100% retroactive to January 1, 2023. Over the past two years, this program was operating on a pilot program basis, with a 50% salary reimbursement rate from the state for officers’ time spent in training up to 40 hours.  

“I am a constant advocate at the Statehouse for more funding for our local governments, particularly our police and fire departments. That is why I was happy to vote for House Bill 33 (HB 33), which, among many other things, increased funding for training the fine men and women policing our communities. This will result in thousands more taxpayer dollars coming back to our community to enhance the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Brennan.

Since the program has been in effect, officers have been required to complete 24 hours of courses on topics including, but not limited to use of force, responding to sexual assaults and mental health, officer personal wellness, arrest, search and seizure, and legal updates. Sixteen of the 24 hours are left to local discretion to allow for those departments to curate their training to meet the unique need of their communities. HB 33 covers funding for the program through 2025.  In his role as Ranking Member of the Ohio House of Representatives Standing Committee on State and Local Government, Rep. Brennan is now advocating to make the funding permanent.