Peyton L. Watts

Major Peyton L. Watts is a 26-year member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and currently serves as the Academy Commandant.

A member of the 101st Academy class Major Watts received his patrol commission in January, 1978. His first assignment was the West Jefferson Post where he served 4 years before being assigned to the Academy as an instructor.

He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in July, 1987, and served 4 years as an Assistant Post Commander of the Zanesville Post.

Major Watts received his first command assignment in April, 1991, when he was promoted to Lieutenant and placed in command of the Lima Post. In March, 1994, at the rank of Staff Lieutenant, he assumed the responsibilities of Assistant District Commander at the Piqua District Headquarters.

He was promoted to Captain in January, 1997, and assumed command of the Patrol’s 12 county Cambridge District. He later assumed command of the Recruitment and Minority Relations Section. In February, 2000, he was assigned as Executive Officer of the Office of Recruitment and Training. 

Upon his promotion in July, 2001, Major Watts was placed in command of the Office of Recruitment and Training.

A native of Columbus, Major Watts graduated from South High School in 1971, and has furthered his education at Ohio University and the FBI National Academy. He earned an associate's degree from Dominican College. He currently resides in Columbus with his wife, Taza, and has two children, Mianda, 26, and Peyton, 17.