New Bureau of Criminal Investigation Lab Opens on Campus

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey today (Nov. 10) officially opened the new Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation crime lab located on the campus of Bowling Green State University.

A group that included DeWine, Mazey, Congressman Bob Latta, former Attorney General and current BGSU Trustee Betty Montgomery, BCI Superintendent Tom Stickrath, BGSU Board of Trustees President Fran Voll, Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards and State Rep. Randy Gardner cut the crime scene ribbon during the ceremony. A number of items related to BGSU and the Attorney General's Office, including two American flags that had flown over the U.S. Capitol, were also placed into a time capsule that will be housed inside the building.

“Opening this new building with all of its cutting-edge equipment and technology will not only help local law enforcement solve crimes, but also open new possibilities to students who are interested in careers in forensic science and criminal justice,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

The nearly 30,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will be the home to over 40 BCI staff performing investigative and laboratory services.   Laboratory services include: Chemistry; Evidence receiving; Firearms and toolmark examination; Forensic biology; Latent print analysis and Trace evidence analysis.  Investigative services include: Crime Scene Unit; Crimes Against Children Unit; Criminal Intelligence Unit; Narcotics Unit; Special Investigations Unit and Criminal polygraph examination.

“Having a state crime lab on our campus builds upon our strengths in the sciences and criminal justice. It is an amazing resource for our students that will provide unique learning opportunities and experiences,” said Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides laboratory and investigative services free of charge to Ohio’s criminal justice agencies.   BCI labs are located in London, Richfield and Bowling Green.

With the opening of the new BCI building, Bowling Green State University will be among a select group of universities nationally with a crime lab located on campus.

The building will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications. LEED is certified by U.S. Green Building Council –  a national green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

The cost of the new building, including furniture and equipment, is approximately $14 million.

In addition to the new building, the Attorney General’s Office and Bowling Green State University announced a new partnership in September to create the Ohio Attorney General’s Center for the Future of Forensic Science.  The Center’s mission is to foster innovative forensic scientific research and to create training opportunities for forensic professionals and for students in forensic science-related fields.