The Identification Division serves as Ohio’s central repository for criminal records, including biometric information such as fingerprints, palm prints and photographs. This extensive collection — more than 6 million records strong — makes the foundation of criminal histories, whose use protects Ohioans every day. For example, the system is consulted:
- By law enforcement on the street deciding how much caution to use when approaching suspects or people pulled over for traffic infractions. This knowledge helps to safeguard the lives of officers and snare wanted criminals.
- By courts to ensure the person standing to face charges is the right person and by law enforcement, when completing arrests, to ensure the suspect doesn’t provide a fake identity.
- For fingerprint-based background checks of citizens in the state. These services provide critical information to employers, job seekers and others. They make it possible for schools, hospitals, day care centers and more employers to make crucial hiring decisions and for gun sellers to ensure their customers are legally able to purchase a firearm.
BCI’s Identification Division also provides criminal justice agencies and various state agencies with leading technology and a range of support services.