In December 2014, Gov. John R. Kasich signed Executive Order 2014-06K, announcing the Ohio Task Force on Community-Police Relations (Task Force) after a series of incidents in Ohio and around the nation highlighted the challenging situations that exist in too many places between some communities and police. The task force included 24 members representing the governor, legislature, attorney general, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, local law enforcement, organized labor, local community leaders, the faith-based community, business, municipalities and prosecuting attorneys.

On August 28, 2015, for the first time in Ohio's history, the Ohio Collaborative panel established state standards for use of force including use of deadly force and agency employee recruitment and hiring that can help guide law enforcement agencies in Ohio. These new standards will hold everyone accountable and instill a greater confidence with the public.

On July 20, 2016 the Clark County Sheriff's Office received their Ohio Collaborative provisional certification indicating compliance with the standards set forth by the Task Force. This accomplishment highlights this agencies commitment to training, policy development, and accountability in use of force encounters. Additionally, the certification demonstrates Sheriff Kelly is committed to advancing hiring, selection and recruitment standards to develop a well qualified and diverse staff who is responsive to the needs and desires of the community. The Clark County Sheriff's Office is now part of a small group of Ohio law enforcement agencies who have achieved the Ohio Collaborative provisional certification.

In a media release, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office states that “Sheriff Kelly and his team are devoted to being a model of excellence and developing strong community-police relations now and into the future.”