There’s no standing still in law enforcement, especially if you’re going to outpace criminals and do right by those you’ve vowed to protect. Likewise, the Attorney General’s Office isn’t standing still in its efforts to identify and implement creative ways to assist the criminal justice community.
We’ve undertaken several initiatives with that goal in mind, including four highlighted in this issue of Criminal Justice Update: OPOTA’s Mobile Academy, BCI’s Forensic Dive Team, services to help law enforcement with unsolved homicides, and a new partnership to combat human trafficking.
The Mobile Academy puts Ohio at the forefront in taking innovative training directly to local law enforcement. With state-of-the-art firearms and driving simulators and subject-matter experts to offer instruction, OPOTA will provide free firearms, driving, and subject control courses throughout Ohio. That will help officers build skills in some of the highest risk activities they face, situations that require quick and sound decision-making to save lives.
Our new Forensic Dive Team expands the services of BCI’s Crime Scene Unit by providing experienced divers and criminal justice professionals to help Ohio law enforcement agencies recover criminal evidence under water. We are partnering in the venture with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency since we share an interest in gathering underwater evidence of environmental crimes.
In another partnership, we’re teaming up with the Salvation Army on a Central Ohio Human Trafficking Collaborative. This effort emphasizes proactive, victim-centered law enforcement methods and compassionate victim services.
We’re also bringing greater visibility to unsolved homicides across Ohio and providing law enforcement with more resources to help solve them.
These are just a few examples of ways my office is working to advance the capabilities of Ohio law enforcement. Our citizens and peace officers deserve nothing less.
Very respectfully yours,
Mike DeWine
Ohio Attorney General