Peace officers who work separate from traditional city and county forces are playing a significant role in Ohio law enforcement, providing what one police chief calls a "necessary" service. Those officers, whose ranks are growing, are employed by organizations such as hospitals, colleges, airports and even a regional transit authority.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission can certify 24 types of peace officers, who reach that distinction after finishing a minimum of 579 training hours and securing a position at an authorized agency. Qualified peace officers can make arrests, write criminal citations, apply for warrants and carry guns.