Given that Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services data shows there were 2,837 “use of force” incidents from 1,040 police agencies in the state in 2025, one would think law enforcement agencies would be clamoring to take advantage of the new Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

Established in 2024, the program gives law enforcement agencies an opportunity to demonstrate they are meeting standards set by the state Public Safety Department.

“If an agency is willingly opening their doors to criticism, that shows great leadership. Having someone else come in and check their work and verify it — that’s what accreditation does,” said Ed Burkhammer, director of Law Enforcement Services with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, according to a report by WKYC.

This year, the Ohio Department of Public Safety announced 14 newly accredited agencies: 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 the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

As those who have been accredited work to continue to meet standards for best practices for conducting themselves in “use of force” situations, officials at departments across Ohio should be getting in line to join them.