Tri-C, Notre Dame College Partner for Police Training

Partnership will provide most comprehensive peace officer education in Ohio

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) and Notre Dame College in South Euclid have announced a partnership that will allow students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice alongside Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) certification.

The partnership, formally announced June 1, combines the resources of both schools, providing the most comprehensive education in Ohio for those looking to enter the law enforcement field.

Notre Dame College has an established four-year criminal justice degree that prepares undergraduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections and homeland security, as well as victim advocacy and court positions. The Tri-C Peace Officer Basic Training Academy offers rigorous, practical hands-on training, as well as familiarity with de-escalation techniques and procedural justice.

“This is a tremendous partnership for both colleges, but even more so, a tremendous partnership for the people of Northeast Ohio,” said Tri-C President Alex Johnson. “Tri-C and Notre Dame are now working together to more intentionally ensure a high level of safety and public service, graduating trained and community-minded officers.”

Clayton Harris, Tri-C’s chief of police and dean of public safety, echoed Johnson’s words, calling the partnership “historic for many reasons.”

“A better-educated officer will be more advantageous for our communities,” Harris said. “This work allows that to happen.”

The combined program marks a huge step forward in collaboration between the colleges. Notre Dame students will benefit from Tri-C’s brand-new, state-of-the-art training facility. Located at Tri-C’s Western Campus, the Simulated Scenario Village allows students to train in a real-world environment, preparing for a multitude of situations they might encounter on the job.

“For me, this is an important part of our institution’s investment in the community,” said J. Michael Pressimone, president of Notre Dame College. “Tri-C and Notre Dame College are important partners in creating a better life in Greater Cleveland and beyond.”

June 02, 2021

Erik Cassano, 216-987-3577 or erik.cassano@tri-c.edu