COVER STORY

LAW ENFORCEMENT

CONFERENCE

SET FOR OCTOBER

Photos by Steve Wall BCI staff members map out a streamlined process during a five-day Kaizen event this spring.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Law Enforcement Conference set for Oct. 1314 in Columbus will feature three top-notch speakers, 30 workshops, and the Distinguished Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon.
This years speakers: u Lyndhurst Police Chief Rick Porrello, whose 1998 book was the basis for the motion picture Kill the Irishman, released this year. The film focuses on how Irish-American racketeer Danny Greene took on the Mafia. Porrello also is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia and host of AmericanMafia.com, the Internets biggest mob history site. u Debra Puglisi Sharp, who was bludgeoned, raped multiple times, and held for 101 hours by a crack cocaine addict who killed her husband. Sharp has shared her story across the country, including at several law enforcement conferences. Her book Shattered: Reclaiming a Life Torn Apart by Violence was published in 2003. u Stephen Douglas, a psychologist and law enforcement consultant who serves as a psychological and organizational development consultant to the Columbus Division of Police. Douglas also advises other Ohio law enforcement agencies and maintains a private practice. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The $75 fee covers workshops, general sessions, and breakfast and lunch both days. Hotel accommodations are not included. Online registration will be available soon at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ LEConference. The deadline to register is Sept. 23.

Attorney General takes steps to reduce turnaround times for DNA testing
By Mary Alice Casey
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) is working to reduce lab turnaround times for DNA testing by streamlining processes, adding staff, and increasing the use of technology. With those steps and efforts by law enforcement to ensure all necessary information and reference standards are supplied when evidence is first submitted Attorney General Mike DeWine hopes to dramatically reduce the time it takes to get results to local officials. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the BCI staff, the excellent lab work they routinely perform for the men and women on the front lines of law enforcement will be completed and delivered more quickly and with fewer delays, DeWine said. Of course, improving efficiency while important on its own is most meaningful when it serves a larger purpose, said Superintendent Tom Stickrath, whom DeWine chose to head BCI after previously leading the Ohio departments of Public Safety and Youth Services.
Continued on Page 7

How to get the fastest results possible for your DNA case
Law enforcement agencies can decrease the turnaround time for individual cases by: u Using the Prelog online submission process on the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway Supplying all requested information on the Prelog form, including victims and suspects dates of birth Providing a crime synopsis of one or two paragraphs that covers what questions need to be answered by DNA testing. Long investigative reports are discouraged. Supplying any known DNA reference standards at the time of evidence submission. These include standards for the victim, suspect, consensual partners, and any other elimination standards.

Protecting Ohios families and children requires a great deal of cooperation among many professionals in state government and local law enforcement. Since my swearing-in ceremony in January, we have been working hard to raise the standard of service that the Ohio Attorney Generals Office especially BCI delivers to our law enforcement partners. You may remember that I said soon after taking office that I intend for BCI to be the premier criminal investigation and analysis agency in the nation. Im proud that BCI Superintendent Tom Stickrath and his team are making measurable progress toward that goal, especially in areas affecting turnaround times for DNA evidence processing. At the end of 2010, before I took office, BCI averaged 125 days to complete DNA testing on biological evidence and inform local authorities of the results. That timeline is simply unacceptable. It puts lives at risk and justice in jeopardy, and its too long for victims, suspects, law enforcement, and the public to wait.

Looking for ways to reduce response time, a team of 15 BCI staff members created detailed workflow charts of the three different processes used at the London, Richfield, and Bowling Green labs and consolidated them into one. The new process being developed with the help of our great staff at BCI is expected to eliminate more than 100 steps and significantly reduce the overall time between the submission of evidence and the final report. Im very encouraged by the progress at BCI. Im confident were on track for the bureau to emerge as one of the nations leading criminal investigation and analysis agencies, and Im grateful to its leadership and staff for working to make that happen. Very respectfully yours,

We are listening
While reducing BCI lab processing times is a top priority, there are other ways we can improve service to our law enforcement partners by listening to their concerns. For example, as a direct result of conversations with law enforcement, were enhancing our crime scene analytical capabilities and expanding our Cyber Crimes Unit. Were improving the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway as a comprehensive source of information. And were opening a BCI office in Athens to make polygraph and lab receiving services more accessible to our law enforcement partners in Southeast Ohio. Were eager to hear the criminal justice communitys suggestions about how to improve BCI. If you have feedback or ideas, please send an e-mail to BCI@Ohio AttorneyGeneral.gov or call us toll-free at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446).

Mike DeWine Ohio Attorney General

By Laura Eddleman Heim

In Kentucky v. King, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May that police can enter an apartment without a warrant to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence as long as they do not engage or threaten to engage in conduct that violates the Fourth Amendment. After observing a controlled drug buy, officers in Lexington, Ky., followed a suspected drug dealer into an apartment complex. Upon entering the complex, the officers heard an apartment door shut, but they could not tell which apartment the suspect entered. The officers smelled burnt marijuana coming from one of the apartments, knocked loudly on that apartment door, and called out, Police. They heard people moving inside the apartment, leading them to conclude that drugrelated evidence was about to be destroyed. The officers announced their intent to enter, kicked in the door, and found Hollis King and two others. They spotted drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view, and prosecutors brought criminal charges against King.
2 CRIMINAL JUSTICE UPDATE

King objected to the lawfulness of the officers entry. He argued that the rule allowing police to enter a home without a warrant in emergency situations when the destruction of evidence is imminent does not apply when the officers own conduct (here, knocking on the door) created the emergency. The court disagreed, finding that the entry was lawful. Law enforcement officers long have been permitted to enter premises without a warrant when necessary to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence. And, the court said, as long as officers do not engage in or threaten to engage in conduct that violates the Fourth Amendment, they may continue to do so when such emergencies arise. Laura Eddleman Heim is a Simon Karas Fellow and deputy solicitor general with the Ohio Attorney Generals Appeals Section.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UpdatE

Criminal Justice Update typically is published four times a year by the Ohio Attorney Generals Office for members of Ohios criminal justice community. To share story ideas or alert us to address changes, contact Editor Mary Alice Casey at 614-728-5417 or Mary.Alice.Casey@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov. Volume 3, Issue 2 Summer 2011 Copyright 2011 by Ohio Attorney Generals Office 30 E. Broad St., 17th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ CriminalJusticeUpdate

Attorney Generals Office to lead Fugitive Safe Surrender

Cleveland Police Officer Wayne Leon was conducting what appeared to be a routine traffic stop in June 2000 when the man he pulled over drew a weapon and shot him in the head. Leon died the next day. His killer, who remains on Ohios death row, testified that he shot Leon to avoid being arrested on an outstanding warrant. The incident prompted U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott to create Fugitive Safe Surrender, which since 2005 has offered individuals with felony and misdemeanor warrants the opportunity to surrender peacefully and have their cases adjudicated, typically at a community church. Since its creation, the program has led some 34,000 fugitives to surrender in more than 20 cities nationwide. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine after federal funding for the initiative was cut earlier this year announced that his office will coordinate Fugitive Safe Surrender in Ohio and collaborate with local communities to organize events in their areas. He has hired a staff member, Jeff Oleksiak, to coordinate the program. Not only was there a large outpouring of support to see Fugitive Safe Surrender continue, but I heard from so many law enforcement officers, judges, mayors, clergymen, and community leaders telling me they wanted to see Fugitive Safe Surrender come to their communities, DeWine said. The programs success has always resulted from these partners working together. DeWines announcement that Fugitive Safe Surrender would continue under his offices oversight came during a crime safety summit in Youngstown in May. The Operation Redemption event, held at St. Dominics Church and hosted by Father Gregory Maturi, included the Attorney General, BCI Superintendent Tom Stickrath, Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains, and several Youngstown officials, including Mayor Jay Williams, City Prosecutor Jay Macejko, and Police Chief Jimmy Hughes. A Fugitive Safe Surrender is planned for the Mahoning Valley area in spring 2012. More information on Fugitive Safe Surrender is available from Oleksiak at Jeffrey.Oleksiak@Ohio AttorneyGeneral.gov or 216-787-3275.

Law Enforcement Roundtables conducted across the state

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is conducting a series of Law Enforcement Roundtables around the state to hear directly from local officials about their needs and suggestions. In addition to the Attorney General, the roundtables feature representatives of BCI, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, the Attorney Generals Crime Victim Section, and others involved in law enforcement issues. Upcoming roundtables are scheduled for August in Southwest Ohio and Northeast Ohio. Events were held in Cambridge in March and Coalton in May. They will continue in all regions of the state. DeWine also is meeting informally with law enforcement representatives throughout the state. Local officials who want more specifics on the Law Enforcement Roundtables should send an e-mail to Amber.Aimar@OhioAttorney General.gov or call 614-728-7275.

Mike DeWine talks with Lt. Tony Robinson of the Jackson County Sheriff s Office at a recent roundtable.

BCI announces Athens office

BCI will open an office in Athens to better serve Southeast Ohio law enforcement. The office is set to open later this summer or early this fall. Located at 86 Columbus Road, the office will include a full-time polygraph operator and evidence collection services five days a week. It will be across the hall from the FBI office, which will provide for enhanced collaboration between the agencies.

Raising awareness about Ohios nearly 800 missing children cases was the focus of two Attorney Generals Office events on May 25, National Missing Childrens Day. Members of the Attorney Generals Missing Persons Unit took part in a phonathon at Columbus television station WBNS-10TV to answer questions about missing children. Two tips resulted. Earlier in the day, staff members and children took part in a balloon launch at Columbus Preparatory Academy, releasing a balloon for each of Ohios missing children. In another effort to bring greater visibility to missing persons cases, Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that details about missing children and adults will appear on the envelopes of about 72,000 pieces of mail his office sends each month.
SUMMER 2011 3

OFFICERS MEMORIAL

Families, colleagues gather to pay tribute to Ohios fallen peace officers

Law enforcement officers from throughout the state joined grieving family members May 5 to remember the four Ohio officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2010 and honor a historical inductee. Held on the grounds of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) in London, the Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony honored: u Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge of the Bucyrus post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who was responding to a call for assistance when he died in a car accident Feb. 4 Sgt. James A. Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, who was shot while confronting a suspect March 15 Officer Thomas F. Patton II of the Cleveland Heights Police Department, who collapsed while pursuing a felony assault suspect on foot March 13 Chief Carl E. Worley of the Ross Township Police Department, who was investigating a string of burglaries when he suffered a fatal heart attack Jan. 26 Marshal John Vapenik of the Maple Heights Police Department, whose department nominated him after discovering he was killed Aug. 28, 1920, while patroling the streets for whiskey runners.

20th Two Days in May attracts more than 1,000

The Ohio Attorney Generals 20th annual Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance attracted 1,065 attendees to take part in 35 workshops and several general sessions in mid-May. Held in Columbus, the annual gathering gives victim advocates an opportunity to interact with their peers across the state, gain new information, and learn about resources and best practices. Among the highlights this year was an Elder Abuse Research Symposium, which drew 70 participants to discuss the scope of the problem and help set Ohios elder abuse research agenda. On the conferences second day, Attorney General Mike DeWine singled out an outstanding advocate and program: u Lora Beese, who along with family members founded the Hope in Heels Foundation in Greater Cincinnati in 2005, received the 2011 Special Achievement Award. Beeses group provides comfort packages with blankets, storybooks, and other items for children entering emergency foster care. u Genesis House Teen Street Team earned the conferences 2011 Promising Practice Award. In 2010, Genesis House which assists abused women and their children in Lorain County formed the team in response to alarming statistics about dating violence among teenagers. The group consists of teens from seven high schools who participate in intense training sessions on family and dating violence and share information with their peers. Next years conference is set for May 1011 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. To view a video shown at the opening of the 2011 Two Days in May, visit www.Ohio AttorneyGeneral.gov/2011TDIMOpening.

Their names are now etched on the Ohio Fallen Officers Memorial Wall at OPOTA along with those of 732 others who have died in the line of duty since 1823. For additional coverage of the ceremony, including a video and slideshow, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/PeaceOfficerMemorial.

The stories we share at this memorial may come from the history books or from recent headlines, but Ohios peace officers regardless of when they gave their oath have always faced great risk. The loss of these five is a sobering reminder of how real the risks are that they and their fellow officers willingly accept to serve and protect.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine

4 CRIMINAL JUSTICE UPDATE

FIELD NOTES

Decide whether to pursue before making a stop

By Jeff Eggleston
I recently had the opportunity to observe driver training at the Peel Regional Police Department in Ontario, Canada, which trains officers in emergency response, pursuit, and rolling road blocks on city streets amid civilian traffic. While not advocating that approach here, I have incorporated some of their concepts into driving courses at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. I suggest law enforcement agencies do the same within their trainings and day-to-day operations. For example: u When possible, officers should decide whether to pursue a violator before initiating a traffic stop. We have stressed for years that all details of a stop be broadcast to dispatch before activating the lights. This way, the officer is ready to fully concentrate on the stop. Decisions concerning a pursuit traditionally have come later, once the violator flees. Yet at that point, the officer must think of policy, traffic conditions, road conditions, and other issues while under the stress of pursuit. Now, contrast that with a pursuit decision made before the stop is initiated. The officer is able to consider policy, conditions, proximity of assisting officers, and alternatives to pursuit without the distractions of adrenaline, tunnel vision, and perception blindness that can kick in under chase conditions. If an officer decides to pursue a violator, he or she also should have a plan in place for terminating the chase. u Broadcast the pursuit decision when calling in the stop. On unknown or high-risk stops, the decision should be broadcast by the primary officer along with stop information. That makes other officers aware in advance of the intent of the primary officer, enabling them to decide on their actions. Of course, these concepts require a major shift from traditional pursuit training and certainly do not fit all circumstances. Yet there is no doubt that important tactical decisions made under low-stress conditions are desirable to those made in the heat of pursuit. Officers also should be fully aware of their departments pursuit policy, which law enforcement agencies are required to have in place under Ohio Revised Code Section 2935.031. Policies should take into consideration agency resources, officer training, population and geography of the area served, weather and traffic conditions, nature of violation, and other pertinent issues. Jeff Eggleston is an OPOTA driving instructor experienced in law enforcement vehicle operations and track facility design.

Resources available for DNA collection

Ohio law now requires the collection of a DNA specimen from all adult felony arrestees. Here are some resources the Attorney Generals Office provides to help law enforcement agencies comply with the new law, which took full effect July 1: u Free DNA collection kits are available by e-mailing CODIS@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov. DNA specimens collected under the new law must be sent to BCI within 15 days of collection. u The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy offers online courses that cover the new requirements. All eOPOTA courses can be accessed through the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway at www.OHLEG.org. The courses include: CODIS Arrestee and Convicted Offender DNA Collections, which covers specimen collection, paperwork, and common questions; Senate Bill 77 Effect on Investigative Procedure, which deals with the laws impact, custodial interrogation procedures, collection of biological evidence, and administering lineups; and Biological Evidence Collection and Retention, which outlines best practices and safety procedures for collecting biological evidence. u A list of frequently asked questions pertaining to all requirements of Senate Bill 77, passed last year by the Ohio General Assembly, can be found at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/SB77. In addition to collecting DNA specimens from all adult felony arrestees, the law requires that custodial interrogations be recorded, places restrictions in how photo and live lineups are conducted, and spells out collection and retention requirements for evidence in certain crimes. u The office also provides a Convicted Offender DNA database on OHLEG. The application allows OHLEG users to determine if a DNA sample already exists in CODIS for a specific individual. The resource helps law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, and BCI save time and money by avoiding unnecessary duplication of DNA analysis. Questions on any of the above resources may be directed to CODIS@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Guidelines highlight best practices

For a recap of best practices on this topic, view the Guidelines for the Preservation and Retention of Biological Evidence at www.OhioAttorney General.gov/BiologicalEvidence. The website also includes an executive summary of the guidelines, a sample letter that agencies can adapt to provide notice of the intention to destroy biological evidence, and other resources.

SUMMER 2011 5

tRaINING OPPORTUNITIES
The Ohio Attorney Generals Office will offer these and other courses in the coming months. Trainings listed are free unless specified. packaging techniques, types of paraphernalia, concealment locations and legal issues OPOTA Course 03-049-11-03 Aug. 4, 8 a.m.5 p.m. Marietta College First Responder to Sexual Assault Covers interacting with sexual assault nurse examiners and victim advocates, conducting victim interviews, processing crime scenes and suspect kits, and using BCIs CHASE information system OPOTA Course 03-550-11-02 Aug. 18, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Hocking College, Nelsonville OPOTA Course 03-550-11-03 Sept. 13, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Cincinnati Police Academy OPOTA Course 53-550-11-02 Nov. 18, 9 a.m.3 p.m. OPOTA Richfield Identity Theft Investigation Provides investigators with tools and resources to investigate identity theft and fraud Rx Abuse in Ohio The Scope of the Problem Covers wide range of issues involved in prescription drug diversion in Ohio OPOTA Course 03-557-11-06 July 18, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Hocking College, Nelsonville OPOTA Course 03-557-11-03 July 26, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Cincinnati Police Academy OPOTA Course 53-557-11-02 Aug. 1, 9 a.m.3 p.m. OPOTA Richfield OPOTA Course 03-557-11-09 Sept. 1, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Wright State University Lake Campus, Celina OPOTA Course 03-557-11-08 Oct. 17, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Kent State University Trumbull Campus, Warren Investigative Resources Ideal for those who investigate criminal activities and/or assess and track criminal trends OPOTA Course 03-662-11-02 July 25, 8 a.m.5 p.m. James A. Rhodes State College, Lima OPOTA Course 03-662-11-03 Aug. 29, 8 a.m.5 p.m. Lorain County Community College, Elyria Street Drugs: Recognition and Identification Covers controlled substances, national and regional trends, substance identification,
6 CRIMINAL JUSTICE UPDATE

tRaINING UPDATE
OPOTA expands regional and online offerings
At the direction of the Attorney General, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) is stepping up regional and online offerings to help law enforcement agencies cope with limited training and travel budgets. OPOTA offered 110 regional trainings to about 5,300 attendees last year. Executive Director Bob Fiatal wants to double that in 2011. And in June, the academy attracted about 300 registrants for its first two webinars, a training option Fiatal expects to offer with increasing frequency. Our goal is to continue to offer quality training at our facilities in London and Richfield and at the same time double the number of regional trainings offered in the field, Fiatal said. Regional trainings are deliberately scheduled for one day or less to help agencies avoid overtime and travel expenses. Our OPOTA campuses will concentrate on more intense and lengthy courses, such as firearms, driving, instructional skills, and other specialized areas. Sgt. Jeff Pritt, who has coordinated training for the Newark Police Department for the past two years, appreciates that approach. Pritts department hosted two regional trainings on Senate Bill 77 implementation this past winter. All 75 Newark officers attended, as did officers from other Licking County agencies. If its a four-hour training, and its close, then we can get officers back on the street and let them finish working their day. We were able to do that with the SB 77 training, Pritt said. Its convenient and cost-effective. Thats important in tough times, said Pritt, whose department has lost five officers through attrition and laid off five civilian staff members. As budgets for training shrink, online and regional trainings are going to be more valuable to departments, he said. Thats going to be the way to go in the future. Pritt commended OPOTA on the quality of the instruction. It was very informative and covered all the bases. They did a fantastic job, he said of Senate Bill 77 course instructors John Green and Jessica Didion. Fiatal said OPOTA helps ensure its trainings are on the mark by surveying law enforcement agencies on their needs and incorporating instruction by sheriffs deputies, police officers, crime analysts, university professors, BCI agents and scientists, and victim advocates. To share input or inquire about OPOTA offerings, e-mail askOPOTA@Ohio AttorneyGeneral.gov.

Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Courses

To register for any of the following OPOTA courses, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ OPOTARegistration. Visit www.OhioAttorney General.gov/OPOTACourses for information on additional courses or www.OHLEG.org for online options through eOPOTA.

OPOTA Course 03-181-11-05 Sept. 12, 8 a.m.5 p.m. Owens Community College Findlay Campus Regional Legal Update Training Covers recent case and statutory law in search and seizure, Miranda warnings, and concealed and open carry of weapons OPOTA Course 53-665-11-02 Sept. 22, 8 a.m.noon OPOTA Richfield OPOTA Course 53-665-11-021 Oct. 3, 8 a.m.noon Cincinnati Police Academy

Crime Victim Section Courses

Visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Victim AdvocateTrainings for other training options and to register. Finding Words Provides participants with skills to conduct an investigative interview of a child abuse victim. The cost is $200. July 1822 OPOTA London Oct. 37 OPOTA Richfield ADVANCE Academy BASICS Basic Advocacy Skills in Crime Victim Services is an intensive course for victim advocates. Sept. 1823 OPOTA London

Evidence receiving sites

Evidence for BCI testing can be submitted at several locations. Addresses, hours, and contact numbers are: BCI London Office 1560 State Route 56 SW London, OH 43140 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Friday Contact: 740-845-2610

COVER STORY
BCI Superintendent Tom Stickrath and Attorney General Mike DeWine meet with BCI staffers.
Continued from Page 1

BCI Bowling Green Office 1616 E. Wooster St. Bowling Green, OH 43402 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Friday Contact: 419-353-5603, Ext 221 BCI Richfield Office 4055 Highlander Parkway Richfield, OH 44286 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Friday Contact: 330-659-4600, Ext. 221 BCI Youngstown Office 20 W. Federal St. Youngstown, OH 44503 9 a.m.2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Contact: 330-659-4600, Ext 221 Guernsey County Sheriffs Office 601 Southgate Parkway Cambridge, OH 43725 10 a.m.2 p.m. Wednesdays Contact: 740-845-2610 Athens (opening soon) 86 Columbus Road Athens, OH 45701 Polygraph services available 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Friday Contact: 740-845-2610 For general DNA submission questions, contact Mike Velten at 330-659-4600, Ext. 276.

Its not just a bureaucracy that were trying to make better or a dollar that were trying to save, he said. Its all about public safety. BCIs Forensic Biology and DNA units made significant progress in the effort when staffers spent five days this spring analyzing procedures and identifying redundancies and unnecessary steps. The result: a process that eliminates 103 steps, 26 handoffs, and 35 decisions. While some efficiencies will take time to put in place, Stickrath is impressed by his staffs commitment. Theres a culture change thats developing, a whole awareness about the speed with which we turn evidence around, he said. And the fact that its being done from within is very exciting. This was not some consultant coming in and saying, Do it A, B, C, D way. This was our staff introspectively looking at its work. To watch that team in action that week was profound. At the close of 2010, BCI took an average of 125 days to complete DNA testing on biological evidence and get results to local authorities. With a streamlined process and cooperation from local law enforcement, staff members see the potential to cut that significantly. BCI took a page from the private sector in evaluating how evidence flows from Evidence Receiving through the Forensic Biology and DNA units and on to the reporting stage. Staffers analysis relied on a process derived from the Japanese concept of Kaizen, which means change for the better. It uses specific methodologies to achieve efficiencies, savings, and customer satisfaction. The meetings were facilitated by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Lean Ohio Program Office. Elizabeth Benzinger, the bureaus DNA quality assurance manager, has been with BCI for 15 years. She came on board to establish the DNA lab, which began accepting evidence in 1998, and took her current position in 2004. Benzinger said staff members concluded that one key to shortening turnaround times is to work a case from beginning to end without interruption. That means ensuring that all necessary information and elements are available when work

commences. We are changing our processes significantly so that cases arent sitting in various queues, she said. Once a sample is in the system, well push it through to the end. To do that, we need law enforcement to bring us cases that are ready to work. BCIs efforts to eliminate bottlenecks in its DNA testing, if successful, will break new ground. Backlog is a problem for every agency that works DNA, she said. Ten or 12 years ago, people were skeptical of DNA. Through the popular media, it has become an everyday topic, and juries expect to see it in just about every case. The demand has exceeded the capacity of testing agencies. Benzinger noted that the National Institute of Justice has directed millions of dollars in grant funding to help agencies become more efficient at DNA testing. Like other labs, BCI has spent much of its share on robotics, which Benzinger said is making a huge impact. It used to be that working DNA was a very timeconsuming endeavor involving lots of hands-on time in the lab, she said. Now, with automation, we can work many more samples more rapidly. As we have gained experience with the robots, we have challenged them to do more. They now play a role in all DNA cases. As BCIs labs take greater advantage of the robots capacity, which Benzinger said is virtually unlimited, they also are bringing new DNA analyzers on line to speed up the process. Greater reliance on technology will affect the reporting process as well. The bureau is working to reduce paper reports and instead provide investigators and prosecutors with results by secure download from the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway. The change will cut days from the process and an estimated $57,000 a year in paper and postage costs. In addition, information confirming the presence of biological material on evidence will be rolled into the final report, saving another step. We want to be paperless, Benzinger said, but were approaching it gradually because we realize many agencies are not set up to be part of a paperless system.

Sufficient staffing is another important part of the puzzle. DeWine has authorized BCI to add a total of eight forensic scientists, lab support personnel, and clerical staff, all of whom should be on board by fall. With every new piece of technology we add and every new position we fill, we are looking to reduce our turnaround times, Benzinger said. And in the future, if there is a tool or method to reduce turnaround times further, were going to pursue it. Stickrath agrees, noting that he wants his staffs reputation for speed and efficiency to parallel its reputation for quality. I get letters every week from law enforcement and prosecutors on the quality of our work, he said. If we can continue the high level of quality that our lab is known for and at the same time see improvements in the time it takes to get evidence back to our partners, that will be significant. Mary Alice Casey is a senior editor with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.
SUMMER 2011 7

COMING UP
OHIO ATTORNEY GENERALS LAW ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE The two-day conference provides an opportunity for state, county, and municipal criminal justice professionals to network, attend educational workshops, and hear from informative speakers. (Details, Page 1 of this issue.) Oct. 1314, 2011 Hyatt Regency Columbus Online registration will open soon at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral. gov/LEConference. For additional information, call 740-845-2684.

Photo by Alissa Romstadt