The Ohio Department of Public Safety certified The University of Toledo Police Department for meeting the third and latest group of new state standards for bias-free policing and investigation of employee misconduct.

The new standards comprise the first of their kind in Ohio developed by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board in 2015 to strengthen community and police relations.

In the last two years, the state certified the UTPD for adopting two previous groups of new standards for the use of deadly force; agency recruitment and hiring; community engagement; and body-worn cameras.

The UT Police Department joins more than 500 other law enforcement agencies that are implementing Ohio’s first standards and public expectations. The UTPD is one of about 35 law enforcement agencies in Ohio who have currently achieved all three groups of standards.

“We are pleased the University meets or exceeds the state standards,” UT Police Chief Jeff Newton said. “Building trust begins with assuring our community The University of Toledo Police Department is using best practices. I am grateful to my dedicated staff for this notable accomplishment.”

For more information on the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board, the certification process and a list of certified agencies, go to ocjs.ohio.gov/ohiocollaborative.