Buckeye Reporter

Attorney General Dave Yost inaugurated the first Law Enforcement Training Symposium (LETS) in Sandusky, Ohio, emphasizing the significance of evolving police training to meet societal changes. The event saw over 500 peace officers participating in a two-day showcase of enhanced training and modern practices.

“You are the bedrock — the foundation of our society — and I want you to know that the people of Ohio appreciate and value you,” Yost stated during his opening remarks at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “They know that none of the rest of it matters if you’re not on the job, if you’re not equipped, if you’re not successful in your mission.”

Previously known as the Law Enforcement Conference, LETS was renamed, relocated, and redesigned to align with Yost’s goal of providing top-tier training for Ohio law enforcement. The symposium was organized by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), a division within the Attorney General’s Office.

Held on September 30 and October 1, LETS introduced several new features, including on-site completion of mandatory continuing professional training (CPT). It also incorporated recommendations from Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Police Training through immersive experiences with OPOTA’s Virtual Reality program and updated curricula focused on situational decision-making and crisis de-escalation.

The revamped curriculum concentrated on four law enforcement career tracks to optimize officers' time and offer high-demand courses unique to OPOTA.

“It’s important that we’re giving them what they want and what they need…” said Yost regarding this year's focus.

During the Distinguished Law Enforcement Awards dinner ceremony, two officers received the inaugural Exemplary Response Award for their efforts in rescuing civilians in Akron and Marlboro Township.

The 2024 award recipients included:

- Nicole Banks from Starfish Assignment in Columbus.

- Lt. William Parkomaki from Ashtabula Police Department.

- Lt. Reginald “Rex” Young from Mount Vernon Police Department.

- Detective Brandon Long from Hilliard Division of Police.

- Chief Mike Crispen from Whitehall Division of Police.

- ATF Cleveland Group IV - Violent Crime Gun Task Force.

- Sgt. Matt Harris from Columbus Division of Police.

- Officer Kyle Cunningham from Akron Police Department.

- Officer Marc Merriweather from Marlboro Township Police Department.

- Officers Carl Harmon, Ian Mansperger, and Jacob Velas from Columbus Division of Police.

For full remarks by AG Yost or additional media materials such as b-roll footage or still photos of award winners, interested parties can contact Kelly May at Kelly.May@OhioAGO.gov or visit relevant links provided by the Attorney General's office.

The symposium also featured keynote speakers addressing situational decision-making, ethics, future leadership challenges, along with 27 breakout training workshops led by experts across Ohio.

For further details about keynote speakers and breakout sessions, attendees were directed to visit the conference website.