Both Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and city police officers are considered law enforcement personnel.

Both can carry a gun, make arrests and wear a badge. But state troopers do not have to take the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Commission Certification that police officers do. A new statewide audit has turned up a problem for a number of former troopers across the state who switched agencies. That number includes Ironton's Police Chief Bill Garland, a 36- year law enforcement veteran. Garland was a trooper for more than 20 years before moving to the city police department.

Last fall, a new statewide reporting system went into effect, requiring all law enforcement agencies to conduct checks and make reports on personnel training. The information was sent to the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Commission, which reviewed the information.

Garland, who had received his training years ago as a trooper, did not have OPOTC certification. He is taking 250 hours of classes required to get the certification.

"As soon as he (Garland) found out, he began taking classes to correct this," Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary said.

In addition, three other officers were found to be lacking a few classes that were not offered years ago when they completed their training, and are also taking classes. All of the required training should be completed by July.

It is not uncommon for law enforcement officers to switch agencies throughout their careers. According to

Jerry Leach, who is both an Ironton Police officer and an instructor for state's OPOTC, the problem occurs when troopers decide to become officers and do not have that certification. Leach said police chiefs do not necessarily have to be certified and may act as administrative chiefs, handling the daily business affairs of the department without wearing a badge and carrying a gun.

"I didn't want to do that." Garland said. "But sometimes, I miss being out there with the guys. I'm not a desk jockey and don't ever want to be one."