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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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 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

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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)

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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

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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

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 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
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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 $125
deposit will reserve space in the desired training session (Deposits submitted by
credit card will incur a $5.00 fee, for a total of $130.00). 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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mandatory components will not be certified as having successfully completed the
program.

Trainee Evaluation

All areas will have written examinations and two written comprehensive final
examinations . 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. Several role-playing situations 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.

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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 $45 fee, undergoing a medical exam and arranging for the submission of
a set of fingerprints for a background check. 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.

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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/

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