Newark – Attorney General Mike DeWine today spoke at the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police in-service and annual conference. The visit coincides with the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which takes place April 10-16.
"The core mission of the Attorney General's office is to protect Ohio families by assisting the brave men and women in local law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe," said Attorney General DeWine.
To that end, Attorney General DeWine has pledged to devote the resources necessary to make the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) the premier criminal investigation and analysis agency in the nation and to decrease BCI's turnaround times for testing evidence.
The Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy (OPOTA), which is also part of the Ohio Attorney General's Office, provides training to local law enforcement professionals. DeWine said that OPOTA will expand the number and types of classes available, with many of them being accessible throughout the state through regional training sessions.
In addition to working with the state's chiefs of police to fight crime, Attorney General DeWine's office offers a variety of services year round to support victims of crime. "We can never forget the victims of crimes. Their rights and their human dignity must always be remembered and respected." said Attorney General DeWine, who began his career in public service as a prosecutor in Greene County.
Those injured in a violent crime, dependents of those killed in a crime, or those responsible for a crime victim's finances, such as a parent, can apply for victims' compensation. Victims of crimes can learn more information on the attorney general's website at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/victim.
Training opportunities are provided for victim advocates, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who serve victims of crimes. For example, "Cut It Out," in cooperation with the Ohio Board of Cosmetology, teaches salon professionals how to recognize signs of domestic violence.
"Finding Words" is a five-day course that teaches the skills needed to conduct a competent, investigative interview of a child-abuse victim.
The Attorney General's annual "Two-Days in May," conference held in Columbus is marking its 20th anniversary this year, bringing together those who serve victims to review successes, learn new ways to better serve victims, and build and energize their networks to continue to help those in need.
"When we speak of justice, we usually focus on finding, prosecuting, and punishing criminals," said DeWine. "But justice must also include what we do to help the victims of crime."
Media Contacts:
Lisa Hackley 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti 614-466-3840