A compilation of briefs from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
BCI Lab Director Ron Dye remembered
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office lost a valued member of its staff with the untimely death of BCI Laboratory Director Ron Dye in January.
Ron served BCI for more than 30 years, working his way through the laboratory ranks to the position of director, a position he earned in 2011.
He was instrumental in introducing robotics and other automation for DNA analysis, reducing paperwork, and increasing efficiency. Under his leadership, the Lab Division achieved ASCLD/LAB-International accreditation.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa, and their two daughters.
BCI’s Bowling Green facility nears construction phase
Construction of BCI’s new Northwest Ohio facility is scheduled to begin this summer.
Located on the campus of Bowling Green State University, the facility will be built at the corner of North College Drive and Leroy Avenue, adjacent to the school’s science buildings. Construction could be complete by fall 2014.
The expanded BCI location will replace the current regional office on East Wooster Street. As the current office does, the new facility will offer on-site laboratory and investigative services.
The project is funded by an $11.9 million allocation to the Attorney General’s Office through the state’s capital budget.
Starting next fall, BGSU will offer forensics as an undergraduate specialization through the departments of criminal justice, chemistry and biology, helping prepare students for careers in public safety and the growing field of forensic science.
Data helps ensure accurate background checks, sound concealed carry decisions
BCI is stepping up efforts to remind Ohio courts and others of statutory reporting duties that help ensure accurate, thorough civilian background checks and sound decisions on concealed carry applications.
-
Common pleas and municipal courts are required to report the disposition of criminal cases to BCI each week.
-
Common pleas and municipal courts are required to collect and immediately submit fingerprint records that include arrest and/or conviction information on individuals who are summoned to court rather than arrested
by law enforcement.
-
Probate courts and chief clinical officers of hospitals and other facilities that serve mental health patients are required to report mental health adjudications as they occur.
For more information, call Steve Raubenolt at
855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).
Criminal history checks, DNA collection are vital steps for law enforcement
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office reminds Ohio law enforcement officers of these two
vital steps when arresting someone for a felony or other qualifying arrest:
-
Check the arrestee’s criminal history on OHLEG to see if a DNA profile already exists in the state’s CODIS database.
-
If it does not, collect a DNA sample if required under Ohio law.
For more information, contact BCI’s CODIS Unit at
855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).
Domestic violence statistics are required monthly
Ohio law requires law enforcement agencies to submit domestic violence statistics to BCI on a monthly basis. In 2012, 86 percent of Ohio’s nearly 1,000 law enforcement agencies were in full compliance with the law. Seventy-six agencies failed to submit any monthly reports.
For full compliance details, contact Samantha Herald at
855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).
Need Some Wheels?
BCI has some cars you might want to borrow.
The “bait cars” are available to assist local law enforcement in vehicle break-in investigations. They are outfitted with multiple cameras — inside and out — to catch thieves in the act. The cameras activate when motion is detected near the vehicle and send a live feed to law enforcement.
Grove City police arrested two suspects who allegedly worked together to break into a BCI bait car in December. The area had been hit by a rash of vehicle break-ins in the preceding weeks.
“We knew when these break-ins were happening and where, and through the partnership with BCI, we were able to catch our suspects in the act,” Grove City Police Capt. Jeffrey Pearson said.
The bait cars are available at no cost to law enforcement throughout the state. To arrange a loan, call
855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).