Commission tells Chief Craig it won't issue test waiver for state peace officer exam

CINCINNNATI - The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission issued a ruling Thursday indicating it cannot issue a waiver to Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig for the state peace officer certification exam.

The commission said it does not have the authority to grant such a waiver, but also said even if it had the power it would not have granted it.

Chief Craig says he's disappointed with the decision.

"Let me just start by saying I believe in testing, I believe in certification, but there is an opportunity based on someone's background and experience to do the right thing, and in my mind doing the right thing is simply waiving the exam process," said Craig.

The report said Chief Craig has not provided evidence he could pass the exam without taking it.

The State of Ohio requires all Ohio police officers to take the 200-question, multiple-choice test.

Craig says his effort to not take the test is based on principal.

"People say just take the test and then fight it, well where's the fight? The fight is now," said Craig.

Craig argues he should receive the exemption citing his 35 years of law enforcement experience as the reason.

"If the men and women of this department were dissatisfied with me as their leader, and if community members that live here in this city were dissatisfied with the work that we're doing today, then I would tell you candidly I would leave," Craig said.

Craig also said he wants to be treated fairly, and that he believes as an officer who has risen through the ranks, it's not fair for him to have to take the test that he believes wouldn't assess his ability to lead the police department.

He said he did not know about the test requirement when he took the job as chief.

The commission said Craig has 15 days to appeal the ruling in court.

Chief Craig tells 9 News he will appeal the decision.