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Ohio brings together experts to develop recommendations for improving missing persons investigations across the state

Dayton, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced the formation of a Missing Persons Working Group to enhance the investigation and resolution of missing persons cases across the state. The group will examine current practices and resources used in addressing these cases, aiming to identify areas for improvement and develop actionable recommendations. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and ensuring that each missing person’s case receives the attention it deserves.

“Every life is valuable, which is why it is important to take these cases seriously,” said Governor DeWine. “I’ve asked this group to examine different components of missing persons investigations to determine if the process can be improved. The ultimate goal here is to bring more missing people home safely.”

Comprehensive Review and Key Goals

The Missing Persons Working Group will assess various aspects of Ohio’s approach to missing persons cases, including database usage, law enforcement staffing and training, and the implementation of best investigative practices. The group will work to determine if current resources are sufficient and whether new measures could lead to more efficient and successful outcomes.

The initiative will be led by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson and includes a diverse panel of law enforcement officials, legal experts, educators, advocates, and family members of missing persons. Together, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and insight to the task of reviewing existing systems and suggesting improvements.

Diverse and Expert Membership

The group features notable members such as Pete Elliot, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio; Sylvia Colon, co-founder of the Cleveland Family Center for Missing Children and Adults; Kelli Cary, State Anti-Trafficking Director for the Office of Criminal Justice Services; and representatives from various police departments and state agencies, such as Kamran Afzal, Chief, Dayton Police Department; Jeff Allen, Chief Deputy, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office; Kevin Callahan, Detective, Cleveland Division of Police; Matt Champlin, Sheriff, Gallia County Sheriff’s Office; Vince Ciola, Bureau Chief, Ohio Department of Children and Youth; Gerald Ehrsam, Sergeant, Columbus Division of Police; Aaron Haslam, Prosecutor, Adams County Prosecutor’s Office; Rebecca Kincaid, Detective, Toledo Police Department; Jennifer Lester, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Lydia Smith Lockwood, Ph.D., Assistant Principal, Upper Arlington High School; Chris Nicastro, Deputy Director, Criminal Justice and Recovery Services, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Bruce Pijanowski, Superintendent, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Tessa Pohovey, Chief, New Philadelphia Police Department; Ronald Raines, Captain, Ohio State Highway Patrol; Mike Rankin, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Special Services, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office; Rick Rodger, Judge, Union County Probate/Juvenile Court; Kara Wente, Director, Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Family members of missing individuals, including Aimee Chapman and Jonisa Cook, also play a key role, ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted are included in the discussion.

The working group will convene for its first meeting at the Ohio Department of Public Safety on January 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Its findings and recommendations are expected to be submitted by the end of April 2025. These recommendations will guide the state in implementing reforms and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of missing persons investigations.

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