COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Ohio law enforcement board has established the state’s first standards for use of deadly force by police.

The standard adopted Friday would permit police to use deadly force only when officers are defending themselves or other people from serious injury or death.

The board also adopted a new statewide standard for police recruiting and hiring, setting a goal of a qualified diverse workforce, while providing equal employment opportunity.

Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sik) created the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board after a series of fatal police shootings, including the November death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland.

Ohio law enforcement agencies would have to adopt the standards as minimum department policies. Agencies also must have policies for training officers in the standards and disciplining them when violations occur.