(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – As part of the FY13-14 Capital Appropriations Bill, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that his office is pleased that Governor Kasich has recommended that his office receive $11.9 million to build a state-of-the-art crime lab and investigations facility for the Bowling Green Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to be located on the campus of Bowling Green State University.
The new lab will expand the capabilities of the current BCI Office, while allowing for a unique, first-of-its-kind partnership between BCI and BGSU. The collaboration aims to advance the forensic sciences while preparing future scientists and investigators to leave college ready for employment in the public safety field.
“Locating the new BCI facility on the campus of Bowling Green State University is a win-win situation,” said DeWine. “BCI will expand its space to better serve law enforcement in northwest Ohio while working hand in hand with the University to help prepare the next generation of forensic scientists and investigators.”
According to BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey, the University is just beginning to explore ways it can collaborate with the new lab. “The possibilities are endless,” Mazey said. “The facility will help build upon our strengths in the sciences and criminal justice. We also look forward to research initiatives to develop new cutting edge techniques.”
“I would like to thank Governor Kasich for including this in the Capital Bill,” DeWine said. “Expanding our Bowling Green BCI facility will help us in our goal to make BCI the best criminal investigation and analysis agency in the country, and I am looking forward to discussing this exciting process with the General Assembly.”
“These types of collaborations are good for Ohio,” Mazey added. “Attorney General DeWine and the governor are to be applauded for their vision and willingness to pursue this partnership.”
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