Ranger Academy Program

The National Ranger Training Institute Ranger Academy is an 18-week basic law
enforcement program. This approximately 700-hour program provides law enforcement
training certification approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, the
National Park Service, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Other states may
recognize all or part of the training. The program prepares law enforcement rangers and
park officers to perform law enforcement in areas administered by state and local agencies
in Ohio and reciprocal states and the National Park Service (NPS) and the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS.) Graduates will be eligible to receive both NPS and FWS seasonal
Type 2 law enforcement commissions. These commissions enable the bearer to carry
firearms, make arrests, investigate violations of the United States Code, U.S. Code of
Federal Regulations and assist in the execution of warrants. They do not authorize
seasonal rangers or refuge officers to investigate felony – level crimes or cases involving
death except under the direction of a full-time officer. Various state and metropolitan park
law enforcement agencies also accept this training for commissioning purposes.

Successful completion of the program enables the student to seek a law enforcement
commission from agencies in the State of Ohio that would confer full peace officer status,
with accompanying arrest authority and the ability to enforce applicable sections of the
Ohio Revised Code. This includes not only park officers, park rangers, watercraft officers
or other conservation law enforcement officer, but also local police officers, county
Deputy Sheriffs or other statutorily authorized law officer, such as university or hospital
police officer.

The Ranger Academy Program differs from other law enforcement programs because of its
specific orientation to the Natural Resources emergency services field. Scenarios and
classes are designed to meet the unique requirements of the park, public lands, cultural
resources and wildlife law enforcement fields.

National Ranger Training Institute Facilities

The National Ranger Training Institute is located on the campus of Hocking College.
Hocking College's 2,300-acre campus is located in the Hocking Hills region in the city of
Nelsonville, a community of 5,500 residents in Athens County, Ohio. This area of Ohio
marks the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range and is hilly and predominately
forested. The campus is embedded in the Wayne National Forest and is surrounded by
numerous state parks, forests and lakes.

Nelsonville is situated about 600 feet above sea level in the drainage area of the Hocking
and Ohio Rivers. Fall quarter classes generally start in September, with warm
temperatures signaling the end of summer. October is extremely variable and may range
from temperatures in the eighties to snow. November and December are both cold, with
temperatures sometimes dipping onto the twenties. Southeast Ohio is fairly damp with
rain common. Snowfalls are usually just heavy enough to be inconvenient without
providing much recreational benefit. January and February hold the brunt of winter, with
temperatures often falling below twenty degrees. March is transitional, as is April, which
has seen temperatures rising into the seventies, followed by snow. May can be very
temperate, and June is typically warm to hot. Ohio is humid throughout the year.

The Academy is conducted twice a year. One class begins in early August and graduates
in December. The second class begins in early January and graduates in May, before
Memorial Day, the traditional start of the park summer season.

Ranger Academy Program classes are typically conducted regardless of weather

conditions, so students should be prepared for bad weather as well as good. As candidate
working Rangers, students won’t have the luxury of not going to work because it is cold
and raining. The same principle applies to classes held outside.

Academy training is based out of the School of Natural Resources on the main campus.
The campus includes a state of the art Student Center, where fitness training and subject
control classes are held. A firing range and field training sites are located close to the
main campus. Emergency driving courses are set up in closed, specially marked parking
lots on campus.

The School of Natural Resources at Hocking College is the largest in the state of Ohio, and
one of the largest in the United States.

Housing is available in on- or off-campus residence halls or in numerous nearby rental

properties. Food service is available through meal plans, and groceries are easily obtained
in town. Academy students are responsible for their own room and board.

Academy Training Team

The National Ranger Training Institute instructional cadre consists of instructors

specifically chosen based on their subject matter expertise and demonstrated skill as
teachers. Many are or have been employed full-time in some area of parks and natural
resources law enforcement. Others are specialists, managers and higher-level officers
drawn from a diverse range of local, state and federal agencies. As such, they are in a
unique position to not only offer excellent instruction, but also insight into the field as an
avocation.

Ranger Academy Program Participants

The Ranger Academy program serves several types of students. One group consists of
students working towards an Associate Degree in Natural Resources Law Enforcement
Management at Hocking College. These students take the Ranger Academy Program as
the final step in their academic career, prior to seeking employment as rangers. The
second group is comprised of students from throughout the country seeking the necessary
certification to apply for seasonal law enforcement positions with the National Park
Service. The third group is students seeking employment within a state or local park or
natural resource agency in Ohio. These students will benefit from certification as having
completed an Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training program that offers a specialized
perspective on the natural resources field.

Due to the short length of time required to complete the program, many students find it
possible to travel to Hocking College, take the course and return home, without the
disruption to their lives that a longer program would entail. These students are especially
welcome due to the differing perspectives they bring to the program. Students from all
over the nation, and several foreign countries, have attended the Ranger Academy
Program. The program is also unique in that it draws a large variety of students, from
those just starting their professional development, to people working in the natural
resources field looking to advance or move into different positions, people changing
careers, and people who have finished one career and are exploring a unique way to
spend retirement or start a second career.

The fourth group consists of students who have already been hired as potential law
enforcement professionals and are sent by their agency for mandated training.
The Ranger Academy offers an opportunity for natural resources and land management
agencies with enforcement responsibilities to obtain mission-specific training for its
enforcement officers. Hocking College welcomes the opportunity to partner with state
and local departments to meet the unique requirements of this specialized area by
providing efficient and cost effective training that is driven by quality and dedication to
service.

Training Components

The Academy typically exceeds 700 hours of classes conducted over the course of 18
weeks. The exact number of hours may fluctuate based on curricula changes or special
circumstances, but will never fall below the minimum of 558 hours required by the state
of Ohio or the 400 hours required by the National Park Service. The typical training week
is 43 hours long. The normal training day is from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and fitness training
is held three days a week from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Students are also expected to spend
time each day in study, practice and individual physical fitness work. Some evening and
night classes are held, due to the necessity of training in adverse light and nocturnal
conditions. At least one class will be held on a Sunday, and weekend classes may be
necessary to accommodate instructor and facility schedules. These dates will be made
known to the student as far in advance as possible. Prospective participants should be
mindful of the fact that their career choice requires the ability to work all different hours
with irregular time off, and in any sort of conditions.

The Ranger Academy Program has specific attendance mandates that require full, active
participation in all scheduled class activities. These will be discussed in detail during
orientation. Absences are only allowable under exceptional and extreme circumstances.

Curriculum

The Ranger Academy Program curriculum consists of a combination of mandated

curricula from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the National Park
Service, with several additional topics developed by the National Ranger Training
Institute. The program is under constant review and revision, in order to provide the most
current information possible. Any schedule or curricula is subject to change.

Subject Hours
Section 1: Administrative
Ranger Academy Orientation 7
Introduction to Basic Training 1
Role of American Peace Officer 3
Philosophy & Principles of the American Justice System 3
The Criminal Justice System & Structure of the American Courts 3
Community Policing 4
National Park Service Mission & History of NPS Law Enforcement 4
National Park Service Law Enforcement Policies 6
Principles of Interpretation 4
Ethics, Professionalism and Core Values 4
Examinations (Hours Vary)
Community Service Project (Hours Vary)
Graduation 2
Subtotal 41
Section 2: Core Legal
Authority and Jurisdiction of the National Park Service 4
Laws of Arrest / Constitutional Law / Fourth Amendment 16
Search & Seizure / Constitutional Law / Fourth Amendment 16
Legal Aspects of Interview & Interrogation / Constitutional Law 4
Civil Liability & Use of Force 6
Testifying in Court & Rules of Evidence 5
Subtotal 31

Section 3: Ohio Revised Code

General Provisions 6
Ohio Revised Code
Homicide, Assault, Menacing 3
Kidnapping, Extortion 1
Sexual Assault 2
Prostitution, Obscenity 2
Arson & Related Offenses 2
Robbery, Burglary, Trespass & Related Offenses 2
Theft, Fraud & Related Offenses 3
Gambling & Related Offenses 2
Liquor Control 1
Drug Offenses 2
Offenses Against Public Peace 2
Selected Offenses Against the Family 1
Offenses Against Justice and Public Administration 3
Conspiracy, Attempt, Complicity 1
Weapons 1
Subtotal 34
Section 4: Federal Criminal Law
Federal Criminal Law 2
Federal Law: US Code and 36 CFR 10
Natural Resource Law, 50 CFR 4
Subtotal 16

Section 5: Communications
Communicating with the Public & the Media 2
Introduction to Report Writing 4
Report Writing 3
Investigative Report Writing 3
National Park Service Report Procedures 4
Radio Procedures 1
NCIC/LEADS 2
Subtotal 19

Section 6: Social & Behavioral Issues / Human Relations

Interacting with the Special Needs Populations 16
Domestic Violence 15
Crisis Intervention 6
Child Abuse & Neglect 6
Missing Children Investigation, Amber Alert 6
Missing Persons 2
Juvenile Justice System 6
Victims' Rights 2
Crime Prevention 6
Community / Cultural Diversity 24
Interviewing and Interrogation 12
Subtotal 101
Section 7: First Aid
First Aid 16
Subtotal 16

Section 8: Patrol
Vehicle Patrol Techniques 3
Foot Patrol 1
Responding to Crimes in Progress 2
Building Searches 6
Vehicle Stops & Approaches 20
Auto Theft & V.I.N. Reconstruction 3
Gang Awareness 4
Prisoner Booking & Handling 4
Helicopter Landing Zones, Aviation Asset & Safety Awareness
4
(Optional)
Subtotal 47

Section 9: Fitness & Health

Physical Conditioning & Physical Efficiency Battery 30
Health and Wellness 4
Subtotal 34

Section 10: Traffic Safety

Non-Emergency Driving 2
Emergency Driving 2
Pursuit Driving 4
Driving Field Training Exercises 20
Introduction to Traffic 1
Motor Vehicle Offenses 8
Commercial Vehicle Offenses 3
Traffic Crash Investigation 15
Traffic Crash Planning, Factors & Events
Traffic Crash Reporting Procedures, NPS 10-413
Interviewing & Fact Gathering
Diagramming & Template
Collection of Evidence
Vehicle Damage
Exercise for Traffic Crash Investigation 6
Uniform Traffic Ticket 1
Speed Enforcement 5
Traffic Direction & Control 1
Alcohol Detection, Apprehension and Prosecution 32
Subtotal 100

Section 11: Investigations

Crime Scene Search 4
Evidence Collection Techniques 16
Crime Scene Sketching & Detailed Drawing 4
Police Photography 3
Tracing Stolen Property 1
Arson Scene Investigation 1
Controlled Substance & Drug Awareness 2
Ohio Drug Laws 2
Confidential Informants 2
Observation, Perception & Description 2
Line-Ups 2
Gambling & Prostitution 2
Liquor Control & Enforcement 2
Surveillance 2
Search Warrants 2
Methamphetamine and Clandestine Labs 4
Environmental Crime Awareness 4
Cultural Resource Law & Protection 4
Subtotal 59

Section 12: Homeland Security

HAZMAT and WMD Awareness for the First Responder 8
Bombs, Explosives & Incendiary Devices 2
Terrorism Awareness 5
Incident Command System 2
National Incident Management System: NIMS 4
Subtotal 21

Section 13: Use of Force

Force Concepts & After Incident Issues 12
Subject Control & Physical Techniques 64
Control of Nonviolent Crowds, Confronting Hostile Crowds 3
Riot Formations 3
Chemical Agents / OC Spray 4
12
Electronic Control Device / TASER™ (Optional)

Handgun & Shotgun Courses 88

Patrol Rifle Course (Optional) 16
Subtotal 202

Total Training Hours 721

Ranger Academy Program Cost

The program fee is approximately $4,230 dollars, which includes the tuition and course
fees. Included in this price are:
 Books and reference Materials
 Equipment, such as handcuffs, baton, templates and flashlight
 Ammunition, targets and use of Institute firearms and duty gear
 Supplies, such as crime scene and evidence collection tools
 Use of Institute motor vehicles for driver and patrol training

Full payment is due at the time of registration, unless other arrangements are made
through the Hocking College Financial Aid Office at 740.753.7061. Agencies who wish
to send employees may be invoiced for the cost of the program. A $130 deposit will
reserve space in the desired training session. Fees are subject to change without notice
and are non-refundable after a certain date during the program.

Program fees do not include housing and food costs. The cost is the same for both Ohio
residents and non-residents.

Students with vehicles will need to purchase Hocking College Parking Permits each
quarter for two quarters, for a total cost of $70.

Financial Aid

Many factors determine eligibility for financial aid and/or guaranteed student loans, such
as length of program, personal income, number of dependents and other factors. For
additional information and assistance, call the Hocking College Financial Aid Office at
740.753.7061 or 877.HOCKING.

Veterans’ Affairs

The Ranger Academy Program qualifies for VA educational benefits and is considered like
any other college course. Contact the registrar for Veterans’ Affairs at 740.753.7075 for
more information.

Uniforms and Other Equipment

Participants are required to provide a uniform for this training program. After the National
Ranger Training Institute is in receipt of the student’s deposit and prior to the start of the
program, the student will receive a letter providing the vendor's name and address to
facilitate this uniform purchase. Students should allow at least two weeks for shipping.

Trainees must provide personal foul weather gear, eye and ear protection for use during
firearms training, gym clothes (NRTI gym clothing will be provided shortly after arrival.
The cost is included in the program fee), boots or shoes, belt and a clipboard. A more
detailed and inclusive list will be provided following actual registration.

The sessions for which casual clothing and athletic clothing is acceptable will be
identified prior to the start of the specific training session.

Agencies are requested to equip their candidates with the specific equipment they are to
use on the job, however, generic National Ranger Training Institute equipment will also
be available if this is not possible.

Training vehicles are provided for those classes that require their use. Agencies are
requested to make patrol vehicles available to their candidates if possible for their use
during Emergency Vehicle Operations classes, especially if those vehicles are specific to
the agency's law enforcement operations.

No additional textbooks, materials or supplies are required except for minor items, a list of
which will be provided during the registration process.

Liability Waivers

Each participant in the Ranger Academy Program is required to sign an agreement to

participate and waiver of liability which acknowledges that the training in which they are
about to participate has the potential for discomfort, injury and/or death (i.e. defensive
tactics, chemical agents, TASER, Emergency Vehicle Operations and firearms training) and
could cause serious injury or death.

Lodging and Dining Facilities

Lodging may be available on campus at our residence halls. Contact Natalie Bowles at
740.753.7024 for more information. Interested students should identify their future
participation in the National Ranger Training Institute program.

Private residential lodging is also available in the nearby communities. Interested students
should contact Connie Cassady at 740.753.6304 for an off-campus housing list.

Special meal rates are available at the college cafeteria.

Class Size

In order to maintain a low student to instructor ratio and a high level of interaction,
Academy class size is limited to 24 students.
Registration Deadlines

Individual deadlines are set for various stages of the registration process. Due to the
extremely high demand for entry into the program, failure to complete a registration task
by the given deadline may result in a candidate losing their seat in the class. Prospective
students should submit their preliminary application as soon as possible.

Background Investigations

Enrollees will be required to submit fingerprints and releases for a background

investigation. Prior convictions for offenses of violence and drug abuse are automatic
disqualifiers. Prospective students who have any sort of criminal record, or a history of
driving violations should contact the program coordinator.

Ranger Academy Program participants must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit
recognized by the State of Ohio

Medical Requirements

Students are required to submit a statement from a physician that they can engage in
rigorous physical activity without restriction. Examples of rigorous activities include, but
are not limited to, fighting a resistant subject during defensive tactics, running, climbing a
barricade, handling firearms under stress and calisthenics. Specific forms will be sent to
students for completion by a doctor, certified nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.

Students with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions, who have experienced serious
injuries or illness, or who are required to regularly take prescription medications are most
strongly urged to contact the program coordinator to discuss whether or not their
particular condition may effect their ability to be hired post-Academy. The National Park
Service and most law enforcement agencies have stringent medical requirements that
impact the hiring of rangers and law enforcement officers

Academic Prerequisites

There are no academic prerequisites for attending the Ranger Academy Program.
Prospective students should check with the agency that they wish to work for to determine
whether the agency has educational requirements.

Age Limits

To be hired for a commissioned law enforcement position by the National Park Service,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or most other law enforcement agencies a candidate
must be a minimum of 21 years of age, so it is not recommended that a person take this
training much before their 21st birthday. However, a few non-commissioned law
enforcement positions do exist in various agencies that are sometimes filled with
personnel under the age of 21. This is not a mandatory requirement.

There is no upper age limit for enrolling in the program. Currently, the National Park
Service has no upper age restriction for seasonal rangers, however, candidates for
permanent, career ranger positions cannot be older than 37.

Attendance Requirements

Participants are expected to attend all components of the program. The program
coordinator will address absences due to illness, subpoenas and the like. Many individual
topics addressed are considered mandatory. Students absent for mandatory components
will not be certified as having successfully completed the program.

Trainee Evaluation

In most topic areas, written examinations will occur, and two written comprehensive final
examinations will be given. In order to be certified as having completed an Ohio Peace
Officer Basic Training Program, students will be required to pass an exam administered by
the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. This test is held at the Ohio Peace Officer
Training Academy and is required by the Ohio Administrative Code and the Ohio Peace
Officer Training Commission to be held a minimum of ten working days from the last day
of class. Participants may find it necessary to return to Ohio from their homes or jobs to
complete this test.

Additionally, several performance-based evaluations will be conducted throughout the

RAP program. Scenario-based exercises will also be conducted in which the trainee is
required to successfully complete the unit to the satisfaction of the instructor(s) and
according to the lesson plan for that particular Unit of Instruction.

Candidates will also have to pass firearms qualifications courses approved by the Ohio
Peace Officer Training Commission and the United States Department of the Interior.
Written tests on various aspects of firearms usage are also conducted.

Fitness Requirements

Students are required to participate in fitness training and testing and must meet minimum
standards based on their age and gender for graduation. Events include:
 1.5 mile run
 Illinois Agility Test
 Sit-ups per minute
 Push-ups per minute
 Bench press
 Sit-and-Reach Test, measuring flexibility of lower back
 Body Mass Measurement
Students do not need to meet these requirements to enroll in the Ranger Academy
Program, but they must be met to graduate. Target standards will be provided during the
enrollment process and again during orientation. A baseline fitness test will be
administered at the beginning of the program. Obviously, the closer a student is to
passing their standards at the beginning of the Academy, the better.

Graduation Requirements

In order to successfully graduate and meet the requirements for certification, each student
must:
 Attend and participate in all mandatory classes and meet the attendance
requirements for all other classes
 Pass all written tests
 Pass all performance-based tests
 Pass two final exams, one covering federal material and one covering state material
 Pass fitness tests meeting state and federal fitness goals
 Meet all other performance objectives contained in the Academy course outline
Meeting all of these requirements will result in certification and the awarding of 24 credit
hours.

Application Process

Returning the Preliminary Application, along with the refundable deposit, begins the
process of enrolling in the Ranger Academy Program. Once the Preliminary Application
and deposit have been received, the prospective student will be entered on the next
available class roster, or a later class, if requested. As the start date of the class
approaches, prospective students will receive a series of mailings with tasks to
accomplish, that includes applying to Hocking College, which requires a $15 fee,
undergoing a medical exam and arranging for the submission of a set of fingerprints for a
background check. Returning or prior Hocking College students do not need to re-apply
to the College. If a class is full, the prospective student will be given the option of taking a
place in the next class with vacancies.

The National Ranger Training Institute and Hocking College are currently undergoing
curriculum revisions, accreditation processes and transitioning from quarters to semesters.
These changes may result in changes to the Academy program. Both the National Park
Service and the State of Ohio may also implement changes that can effect Academy
content, policy and procedures.
Thanks

The Ranger Academy Program appreciates the ongoing interest from prospective students,
and will strive to ensure all participants receive the finest training possible in preparation
for this challenging career. For additional information or questions, contact the program
coordinator or administrator.

Contacts

Bill DeWeese, Program Coordinator Connie Cassady

Assistant Professor Administrative Assistant
Voice: 740.753.6295 740.753.6304
Fax: 740.753.6305 740.753.6305
E-Mail: deweese_b@hocking.edu cassady_c@hocking.edu

National Ranger Training Institute on the Internet

http://rangertraining.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/NRTI
http://www.hocking.edu/
 Ranger Academy Program
Preliminary Application
Please Return This Form With Your $125 Deposit
(Deposit Will Reserve Your Space in the Class and is Refundable)

Name (Last, First, Middle):

Street / Route / Box:

City, State, ZIP Code:

Phone Number(s): Home: Other:

E-Mail Address:

Date of Birth: Place of Birth - City, County, State:

Social Security Number Driver's License: State, Number, Expiration Date

Male Female U.S. Citizen? Yes No

Education: Highest Level Attained:

High School Graduated From or GED Awarded at (Date, Name, City, State):

Race: Caucasian African American Native American

Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander Other
Ranger Academy Dates Desired: Select Summer/Fall Academy or Winter/Spring Academy and Year You Wish to Attend

August to December Year: January to May Year:

(Note that charges requires the
Method Of Payment: Cash Check Charge addition of a $5.00 fee)
3 Digit CVN Number
MasterCard Visa Discover Number

Credit Card Owner: Expiration Date:

Please Make Checks Payable to Hocking College

Mail To: The National Ranger Training Institute at Hocking College
Attention: Connie Cassady
3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

Questions? Please Contact Connie Cassady at 740-753-6304 or Bill DeWeese at740-753-6295

The Ranger Academy Program is physically challenging and requires that students reach a certain level of
fitness before they are certified to graduate. Please list any medical, physical or other conditions that may
impact your ability to perform exercise and strenuous physical activities. Also list any surgeries you have
had, and any chronic medical conditions that require ongoing medication or treatment, such as asthma or
arthritis. If you have none, please list “None” or Not Applicable,”

Various Federal and State laws prohibit persons convicted of certain crimes from the possession or use of
firearms or participation in law enforcement training. Please list any arrests or criminal complaints you have
been subject to, their dates and outcomes. Also list any serious traffic citations you have received for
offenses that could or did result in a suspension of your operator’s license and or criminal charges. This
includes, but is not limited to, reckless operation, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, or accidents that resulted in injury. For these purposes “vehicle” includes any motor vehicle, off-
highway vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, construction or agricultural equipment, or non-motorized means of
transportation operated on a public roadway, such as a bicycle or animal-drawn conveyance. If you have
none, please list “None” or Not Applicable,”