Ohio University Chillicothe to offer professional development opportunity for law enforcement officers

Ohio University Chillicothe will host a professional development opportunity for law enforcement officers on Wednesday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at OHIO Chillicothe’s Technology and Business Development Center at 22 Pohlman Road, Chillicothe.

The training, presented by Chief (retired) Paul Hartinger, will focus on Communication Skills-Tactical Communication, and is part of an effort to provide professional development opportunities in support of surrounding communities and workforce development needs.

Participating law enforcement officers will learn to navigate crisis encounters and mental health calls for service successfully.

This one-day course on crisis communication and de-escalation skills will teach officers essential skills, including emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, active listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, critical decision-making, and post-incident debrief. Participants will also learn legal issues concerning interactions with persons in crisis and the mentally ill.

Course outcomes will include improved relationship-building skills, improved trust and partnerships within communities, and increased safety for officers and community members. The cost of the training is $150 per person.

Chief Hartinger, a law enforcement trainer and educator, has nearly 40 years of law enforcement experience, with over 20 years of experience teaching and training in the public safety sector, and is a certified ‘de-escalation’ instructor in various programs, including PERF ICAT. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, the FBI National Academy, and the Police Executive Leader­ship College, Hartinger remains active in promoting and training law enforcement topics. Chief Hartinger has been a certified instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy/Commission [OPOTA/C] since 2002 and has taught topics from basic to advanced curriculum, including Police Chief and Executive level programs. Chief Harting­er teaches Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs around the state and is considered an expert in de-escalation training and mental health response.

“Our goal is to provide professional development and continuing education opportunities for teachers, social workers, law enforcement officers, and others who are providing valuable services in Chillicothe, Ross County, and the surrounding area,” said OHIO Chillicothe Interim Dean of Campus and Community Relations Mike Lafreniere.

OHIO Chillicothe offers an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice for those wishing to pursue or advance careers in law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers wishing to participate in this professional development opportunity may register online by April 8, 2026.