Rep. Kevin Miller Highlights Unanimous Passage of House Bill 852

State Representative Kevin Miller is pleased to share that the Ohio House unanimously passed House Bill 852, legislation to require individuals appointed as police chiefs to hold an Ohio Basic Police Officer Training certificate.

Under current law, an individual may in some circumstances be appointed as police chief without completing Ohio’s peace officer basic training requirements. H.B. 852 closes an important gap by ensuring that all appointed chiefs meet a consistent baseline standard of training and preparedness. 

“In communities across our state, police chiefs are entrusted with extraordinary responsibility. They establish department policy, oversee officer conduct and training, make critical operational decisions, and serve as the public face of law enforcement in their jurisdictions,” said Miller. “These responsibilities require not only administrative ability, but also a foundational understanding of Ohio law enforcement practices and the realities officers face in the field every day.”

In cases where someone is appointed as a chief of police who is not certified in Ohio, the language provides for a 6-month grace period for them to obtain compliance. 

House Bill 852 now awaits consideration in the Ohio Senate.