The Ohio Attorney General says a BCI Forensic Dive Team has been created.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine unveiled a newly formed Bureau of Criminal Investigation Forensic Dive Team. This is not a search and rescue team but another avenue to help law enforcement throughout the state recover criminal evidence from water.
"BCI's investigative capacity will no longer be limited to the water's edge," said DeWine. "Criminals may run, but we hope they'll no longer be able to hide evidence used in their crimes in the water."
He called the dive team an "extension" to the BCI Crime Scene Unit and said members will be able to search for evidence, such as human remains, weapons, and clothing. It will also be partnering with the Ohio EPA to look into crimes that involve illegal underwater tire or barrel dumps.
The forensic team will consist of five divers from BCI, a diver from the EPA, an expert in protocol, and Deputy Attorney General for Law Enforcement Stephen Schumaker.
Schumaker said they are currently testing sonar equipment to see if it would be a worthy investment, which could cost up to $50,000.
