Ohio Revised Code Title VII. Municipal Corporations § 737.061

(A) The chief of police of a municipal corporation may conduct training schools for prospective law enforcement officers.  The training school programs shall align with Ohio peace officer training academy standards and cadet qualifications.  The prospective officers, during the period of training and as members of the training school, may be paid a reasonable salary.  The chief of police may furnish the necessary supplies and equipment for the use of the prospective officers during the training period.

(B) The chief of police may establish rules governing the qualifications for admission to training schools for prospective officers and provide for competitive examinations to determine the fitness of the students and prospective officers, not inconsistent with the rules of the director of administrative services.

(C) Upon completion of a training school program established under this section, a program graduate may be hired directly by the relevant department, provided the graduate also satisfies the requirements for original appointment under section 109.77 of the Revised Code.