Certified by police board

COLUMBUS

State officials say 74 percent of Ohio law-enforcement officers now work for agencies that have been certified by the Ohio Collaborative Community Police Advisory Board or are actively seeking certification, and 78 percent of the state’s population is served by such an agency.

The policy standards, which define circumstances for use of force and deadly force and promote equal employment and nondiscrimination, were developed by the collaborative in an effort to improve the relationship between law enforcement and citizens.

As of last Friday, 445 law-enforcement agencies have fully adopted the primary standards, and 49 are in the process.

“These agencies have voluntarily engaged in the certification process and have demonstrated a true commitment to providing exceptional services to their communities,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release.