The addition of three retired police cruisers will enhance the learning and training experience for cadets at the Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) program at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools in Ohio.

The cruisers — two Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and a Chevrolet Tahoe PPV — were donated by Pickaway County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy James A. Brown, Jr. in late December 2023, according to a news release.

“We are grateful for the donations from the Pickaway County Commissioners, the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Hafey, and Chief Brown,” Eastland Police Academy Commander Tim Voris said. “They see, firsthand, that the deputies they hire from our program are prepared and ready to protect and serve in their community.” 

Using Real Cruisers for Training

The donation allow cadets of the 116th Eastland Police Academy to train with a variety of vehicles and will also help train students in the high school Criminal Justice programs at Eastland and Fairfield Career Centers. 

“By acquiring these street-tested cruisers, all Eastland-Fairfield students can utilize them to train, perform stops and approaches, and conduct driving and speed measuring device classes," Voris added.

The Basic Police Officer Training program is offered at Eastland Career Center to adults aged 21 or over. The program follows Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy standards with a curriculum set forth by Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. 

“The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the future of law enforcement,” said Chief Deputy James A. Brown. “The law enforcement industry is very competitive. Regardless of where the Eastland-Fairfield cadets go and what community they serve, these additional tools ensure that they will have the best opportunities for training and be better prepared to serve our communities.”

Keeping Up with an Evolving Police Fleet Industry

The SUV stands out because it will allow cadets the opportunity to train in a style of vehicle that has become more popular across law enforcement fleets in recent years.

Much of the industry has shifted away from sedans, opting instead for SUVs.

The BPOT vehicle fleet has rapidly expanded following additional donations in recent years by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Baltimore Police Department, and a local Honda dealership. 

“On behalf of our students and staff, we are all very grateful to the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office for their generosity and support of our cadets and students,” Eastland-Fairfield Adult Workforce Development Director Todd Hoffman said. “Not only do these vehicles add to our program's toolbox that helps train and prepare our future police officers but it also reaffirms Eastland-Fairfield's strong partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies for the betterment of our students and communities.”