For Immediate Release: March 31, 2017
More than 500 law enforcement agencies in the process
of implementing Ohio’s new standards to improve community-police relations
COLUMBUS
–
More than 500 agencies – employing about 80 percent of Ohio’s law enforcement
officers – are in the process of implementing Ohio’s first-ever statewide
minimum standards on use of force, including deadly force, and hiring and
recruitment according to a report issued today by the Ohio Office of Criminal
Justice Services (OCJS). The standards were developed by a diverse group of
Ohioans from law enforcement and community leaders as part of Ohio Governor
John R. Kasich’s efforts to improve community and police relations.
“We are pleased so many law enforcement agencies have
adopted Ohio’s first-ever statewide standards,” said Karhlton Moore, OCJS
Executive Director. “While this report demonstrates the progress we have
already made together, we recognize there is more work to do in strengthening
the relationship between communities and law enforcement.”
The report showed that as of March 31, 506 agencies are
either certified or in the process of becoming certified by meeting those
standards that will help improve community-police relations. And, 79 percent of Ohio’s population,
including all 88 Ohio counties, is served by an agency engaged in the
certification process.
Since 2014, Ohio has been working to create a
national model to strengthen the bond between communities and police, including
building a database that law enforcement agencies can use to better track the
use of force, study common, contributing factors, and formulate ways to prevent
them. New grants have also been provided
that require both law enforcement and the community to collaborate and
participate in projects. Last year, Ohio launched a new “Change Starts Here”
education and outreach campaign.
Ohio’s Community and Police Advisory Board Collaborative is co-chaired
by John Born, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and former
state Senator Nina Turner. The standards were
established by the Ohio Collaborative on August 28, 2015, and the state
partnered with the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association and the Ohio Association
of Chiefs of Police to help certify Ohio’s law enforcement agencies.
To view the Law Enforcement Certification Public Report, which
also lists agencies not participating in the certificating process, please
visit: http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/ohiocollaborative/
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Contact: ODPS Communications, (614) 466-4344
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