Local law enforcement agencies certified for safe, community policing

Jessica Orozco, The Lima News, Ohio
·1 min read

Nov. 2—COLUMBUS — Thirty Ohio law enforcement agencies were certified or recertified for meeting state standards established by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board, Executive Director Nicole Dehner announced Wednesday.

According to a media release, there are 587 certified agencies as of now, and three are in the process. More than 29,000 officers work for departments involed in "some form of the certification process."

The following local law enforcement agencies are certified or recertified:

* Van Wert Police Department — certified

* Spencerville Police Department — recertified

* Minster Police Department — recertified

Certification means an agency meets specific minimum standards, many of which address community engagement, bias-free policing, body cameras, interaction with minors and more, according to the release.

The release stated the standards are the first of their kind in Ohio and attempt to "strengthen community and police relations."

A complete list of certified and non-certified law enforcement agencies can be found on the Collaborative's website.