The City of Bowling Green and Bowling Green State University have announced plans to establish the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Education and Training Center, a jointly operated facility that will serve as a regional hub for public safety training, professional development, and community engagement.
The project received a significant boost through the recently enacted State of Ohio Capital Budget, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, which includes a $700,000 appropriation to support development of the center. The funding represents an important investment in public safety infrastructure and regional law enforcement training capabilities.
The new center will be operated by the City of Bowling Green Police Division and supported by the BGSU Police Department, creating a unique partnership that leverages the strengths of both agencies while expanding training capacity for law enforcement professionals throughout Northwest Ohio.
The project includes construction of a state-of-the-art indoor firearms training range designed to meet state and federal safety standards, as well as dedicated classroom space to support law enforcement training and educational programming for students and community members.
The city and university intend to construct the facility on city-owned property adjacent to the Bowling Green Public Works complex at 1040 N. College Drive, subject to final planning, design, and project approvals.
The facility will incorporate modern safety and training technologies, including advanced ventilation systems, ballistic containment measures, lead-capture systems, and technology-enabled scenario training environments. These features will provide officers with realistic, high-quality training opportunities.
The Bowling Green Law Enforcement Education and Training Center is envisioned as a regional public safety training hub that will enhance officer readiness, expand training opportunities across Northwest Ohio, eliminate duplication of facilities and modernize aging training infrastructure. Through this collaborative approach, the city and university aim to create a model for effective interagency cooperation that strengthens public safety throughout the region.
In addition to enhancing officer preparedness, the center will provide opportunities for community-focused educational programming designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.
“This partnership represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher. “By bringing together the resources and expertise of the city and Bowling Green State University, we are creating a facility that will demonstrate what can be achieved through collaborative leadership. We are especially grateful to Gov. Mike DeWine for his support of this project and to State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari and State Sen. Theresa Gavarone for their advocacy and leadership in securing $700,000 through the State Capital Budget. Their support will help make this regional public safety training hub a reality.”
The center is expected to serve not only the Bowling Green Police Division and BGSU Police Department, but also law enforcement agencies throughout Northwest Ohio seeking access to modern training facilities and specialized instructional programs.
“The Bowling Green Police Division looks forward to this partnership between the City of Bowling Green and Bowling Green State University,” said Bowling Green Police Division Chief Justin White. “The Police Division has a longstanding commitment to investing in the professional development and training of our officers. This training center will support that commitment, strengthen collaboration with the university and our regional law enforcement partners, expand training opportunities throughout Northwest Ohio, and help ensure our officers have the skills and resources needed to serve and protect our community.”
The project also reflects a shared commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources by eliminating unnecessary duplication of facilities and modernizing training infrastructure through a cooperative model.
“The City of Bowling Green has long been recognized as one of the best and safest college towns in America, and we are pleased to support the city in its mission to continue to enhance the safety of our community,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “We are grateful to our elected representatives for their support of this initiative, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with the city in leveraging our shared resources for our community and region.”
Once completed, the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Education and Training Center will position Bowling Green as a statewide model for effective interagency cooperation while establishing a modern training environment that supports the evolving needs of public safety professionals and the communities they serve.
“We look forward to further collaboration with the Bowling Green Police Division to provide standardized education and training to law enforcement officers from across northwest Ohio,” BGSU Police Department Chief Mike Campbell said. “With a modern and flexible training space, this center will empower law enforcement professionals with industry best practices and skills to best serve their communities.”
Additional project details, including construction timelines and operational plans, will be announced as they become available.
