Cleveland, Ohio – Ohio is expanding its push for professional excellence in policing, with Governor Mike DeWine announcing the newest agencies to earn accreditation through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. The recognition highlights departments that voluntarily meet rigorous state standards designed to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Created by Governor DeWine in 2024, the accreditation program honors agencies that meet or exceed nearly three dozen benchmarks covering critical responsibilities such as professional conduct, bias-free policing, crisis intervention, and community engagement. The initiative is intended to reinforce best practices while encouraging departments to pursue continuous improvement.
New agencies earn statewide recognition
The latest departments to achieve accreditation include the Beachwood Police Department, Beaver Township Police Department, Boardman Township Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, Cleveland State University Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton Township Police Department, Independence Police Department, Medina Police Department, Miami County Parks Police Department, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
“Attaining accreditation through this program is a prestigious achievement,” said Governor DeWine. “Those living in communities served by an accredited department can be confident that their local law enforcement agency demonstrates exceptional professionalism and meets Ohio’s high expectations for excellence in public safety services.”
The Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is unique nationwide because it is administered by the state at no cost to participating agencies. Participation is voluntary and open to every law enforcement agency in Ohio, removing financial barriers that can limit access to accreditation in other states.
With the latest additions, a total of 24 law enforcement agencies have now fully met Ohio’s standards of professional excellence. Several other agencies across the state are actively working toward accreditation, signaling growing interest in strengthening professional standards and transparency.
“The recent accreditations through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program reflect a strong commitment to professionalism, bias-free policing, crisis intervention, and community engagement,” said Nicole Dehner, Executive Director of OCJS. “Now with 24 accredited agencies, we’re advancing our mission to strengthen community relationships and support best practices statewide.”
Building on statewide policing standards
The accreditation initiative builds on the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Certification Program, which has already certified more than 600 law enforcement agencies in best practices such as use of force policies and recruitment, hiring, and screening procedures. Certification standards under that program are mandatory prerequisites for agencies seeking full accreditation.
Oversight and guidance for the effort come from the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board, created in 2015 to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public. The board works closely with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services and consults with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.
State officials say the accreditation program provides a clear pathway for agencies to improve policies, training, and community engagement practices while building public trust. Collaborative staff assist departments through the process, ensuring local procedures align with state standards and professional benchmarks.
As more agencies pursue accreditation, Ohio leaders say the program represents a meaningful step toward safer communities, stronger partnerships, and consistent policing standards statewide.
