Jay R. Easterling

This document introduces the CARES Program, an initiative by the Ohio Attorney General's Office (AGO) to upgrade debt collections. The program prioritizes improving the experience for clients, partners, and Ohioans in debt, with a focus on maximizing recovery for clients, protecting taxpayer-funded resources, and providing service to indebted parties. Built on principles of courtesy, respect, fairness, reliability, and responsiveness, the CARES Program is supported by three pillars: People, Processes, and Technology. Key strategies include enhancing service experiences, removing inefficiencies, simplifying business rules, introducing state-of-the-art technology, engaging clients with technical solutions, and employing enhanced data-analytic capabilities.

The commission meeting included discussions on the proposed 2027 Continued Professional Training plan, updates to the Basic Training Program curriculum across multiple categories, and the establishment of new definitions in the Administrative Code regarding firearms. The committee also addressed the expansion of rules to include Crisis Response Canines, recommended rule changes to the Attorney General, and approved a new framework for Ohio State Highway Patrol members to obtain peace officer certification. Additionally, Fentanyl was approved as a permissible imprint for working canines, and a scheduled 119 hearing was continued to a future date.

The Commission discussed 2026 CPT mandate preparations and funding, reviewed Continued Professional Training updates, and approved changes to the January 2026 curriculum, including the addition of ICAT/Crisis Mitigation and the removal of certain lesson plans. Further discussions involved revisions to the Canine Evaluator lesson plan, updates on virtual reality training courses, and adjustments to refresher training requirements for officers returning to service. The Commission also recommended various amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code regarding instructor certification, refreshment training mandates, out-of-state licensure recognition, academy student remediation, and providing training access for hospital security personnel.

The Commission discussed several organizational updates, including the appointment of new commission members and the scheduling of meetings for the upcoming year. The House Committee provided recommendations for leadership positions and meeting dates. The Director introduced new personnel and provided updates on curriculum development, online training initiatives, and operational projects, including changes to Continuing Professional Training requirements. Additionally, the Commission reviewed committee reports, discussed legislation impacts, and approved a one-year extension for the K9 Fentanyl pilot program.

The Ohio Police Officers Training Commission discussed pre-certification requirements for peace officer applicants. Key topics included drug screening, psychological exams, truth verification tests, physical exams, and additional criminal disqualifiers. The commission is urged to implement these recommendations to ensure the best candidates become peace officers. The commission also discussed increasing training hours and establishing standards and a certification process for academies.