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Audio/Visual Forensics |
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Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation
A Force-Multiplier for Ohio Law Enforcement
The Ohio State Highway Patrol maintains an Aviation Section consisting of 15 uniformed officer-pilots, two American Eurocopter turbine-powered helicopters, and 14 Cessna airplanes.
The primary mission of Patrol pilots is enforcement of traffic safety laws and assist motorists. In addition, the Aviation Section conducts:
• Aerial searches, often utilizing the Forward-Looking Infra-Red – or FLIR;
• Photo missions;
• Marijuana location and eradication missions;
• Enforcement of school bus and railroad crossing violations;
• Operation TRIAD – which stands for Targeting Reckless, Intimidating, and Aggressive Drivers – where "road rage" and aggressive driving types of violations are occurring; and concentrated following too closely enforcement details;
• Emergency transportation; and
• Technical service in aircraft crash investigations and enforcement of laws governing air traffic.
All aircraft are equipped with programmable NAT police radios. These radios can be programmed to communicate with any police agency. Also, all aircraft are equipped with MARCS radios, which are part of Ohio’s 800-megaherz law enforcement and first responder radio and data communication network.
Nearly every type of aviation service performed by Patrol pilots is also available to other law enforcement agencies by request. Whether for traffic enforcement, the need for FLIR for an ongoing search, platform for aerial photographs, evidence relays from remote locations, or personnel transport, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Aviation section is a tremendous asset to law enforcement throughout the state. To request Patrol Aviation services, contact the Columbus Communication Center at (614) 466-2660.
From aerial traffic enforcement, marijuana eradication, school bus and railroad crossing violations, aerial searches, including assistance to other agencies, FLIR-technology, and aircraft crash investigation and enforcement of laws governing air traffic, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Aviation section is a force multiplier in the ongoing efforts of all Ohio law enforcement to keep Ohio safe.
Traffic Enforcement from the Air
With over 1,000 traffic fatalities occurring annually on Ohio roads, Patrol
pilots are an integral piece of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s ongoing
goal of significantly reducing traffic fatalities on Ohio roads.
The value of doing traffic enforcement from the air is pilots are essentially taking a speed evaluation of a vehicle over an entire mile, which is different than the officer on the ground using a laser and getting a speed at a specific moment in time, or a short tracking period through radar. Also, observing a vehicle over a mile distance allows the pilot to pick out the more severe or aggressive driving violations.
Operation TRIAD
Since the late 1990s, Targeting Reckless, Intimidating, and Aggressive
Drivers, called TRIAD, has been the Patrol’s comprehensive enforcement
and media relations program focused on the most dangerous drivers on Ohio
roads. It is a collective enforcement effort involving the Highway Patrol,
local law enforcement agencies, and the media for public awareness.
The program is generally conducted in and around metropolitan areas because that is often where the most egregious aggressive driving violations occur. These behaviors include excessive speed, erratic lane changing, and following too closely. Working in conjunction with several ground officers at the same time results in an efficient enforcement method.
Enforcement of School Bus and Railroad Crossing Violations
A primary advantage to using aircraft for assistance in these problem areas
is the difficulty in enforcing these violations for an officer on the ground.
For the officer on the ground to see the violation occurring, the violator
will also probably visually be aware of the officer, making detection of the
violation more difficult. For example, if there is a patrol car following
the bus, or going in the opposite direction, very infrequently will someone
pass by the bus stop sign.
Officers trying to enforce railroad crossing violations from the ground face similar limitations. If an officer is sitting on the other side of railroad tracks waiting for a violator to go across the track illegally, a person is probably not going to illegally cross the tracks with the officer visible.
Aerial Searches Including Assistance to other Agencies Including
FLIR
Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) can be an effective tool for searching for
fleeing traffic violators or other fugitives on the run. It can also be used
to help search for an Alzheimer patient who walked away from a patient care
facility, a child who wandered away from his or her home or neighborhood,
members of the public who are long-overdue arriving at a destination, and
mentally disabled people who may have left their care facility.
The majority of FLIR-related requests for Patrol services come from county sheriff’s offices and local police departments. These types of requests can greatly reduce man hours when conducting search missions. Patrol aircraft can “clear” a large search area much quicker than ground operations.
Marijuana Eradication
The benefits of having this type of aerial detection, which is available
to the law enforcement community, not only deters this type of crime, but
also enhances relations between the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies
in the state. The Highway Patrol also has an active program with the Ohio
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
Marijuana plants can be easy to detect from the air, depending on the venue in which they are planted. Coloration differences and geometric planting and growing patterns on the ground alert pilots to the probability of marijuana plants being grown among other agricultural crops.
Services Available to other Law Enforcement Agencies
Nearly every type of aviation service performed by Patrol pilots is also available
by request to other law enforcement agencies. Whether for traffic enforcement,
need for FLIR for an ongoing search, platform for aerial photographs, evidence
relays from remote locations, personnel transport, the Patrol has a very open
policy about offering aviation support and services to any agency in the state
that could benefit.
Patrol pilots can assist agencies with access to any area where “birds eye view” photographs would help document a scene for evidence or prosecution purposes. Aerial photographs help better document crime and crash scenes, and can give any type of investigation another documentation perspective.
Caravan
The Patrol’s Caravan aircraft is equipped with a state of the art surveillance
package allowing covert day or night surveillance of persons or objects on
the ground. Along with the ability to view and record this information, the
technology provides for the opportunity to microwave down-link images digitally
to one or multiple ground-based receivers, allowing on-scene commanders to
make tactical decisions based upon real time information.
The surveillance package and camera on the Caravan aircraft allows pilots
to perform surveillance operations up to an altitude of 9,000 feet. The technology
is similar to that used by broadcast television stations for live news and
sports coverage. The Caravan is instrumental in the state’s ongoing
homeland security efforts, including a focused initiative intended to enhance
northern border security.
The Crash Reconstruction unit provides technical crash assistance and expert testimony in criminal and civil cases resulting from crashes investigated by the Division, as well as many other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. They are trained in the use of technologically advanced equipment relating to crash reconstruction and are responsible for establishing and maintaining a continuing education program for technical crash investigators and reconstructionists throughout the state.
The Inspections Unit conducts biennial staff inspections of each field component. They are responsible for coordinating biennial staff inspections of each GHQ component with the Accreditation Task Force. The Inspections officer reports inspection results directly to the Superintendent. They also assist in the development of field commanders and needed revisions in policies and procedures.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol maintains a Special Response Team to respond to dangerous or unusual situations. Comprised of 30 uniform officers assigned to posts within 50 miles of Columbus, members are trained in weapon and chemical agent use, rapid response, and special assault and extraction techniques. The team responds to high risk incidents such as prison riots, hostage situations, high-risk warrant service, political rallies and various covert operations.
Special Response Team members attend regular training sessions to ensure each is prepared to respond to any special need at any time.
The Special Response Team has at its disposal an advanced command vehicle which can serve as a fully-equipped, portable Patrol post. They are supplied with all types of special weapons and equipment. In addition, Special Response Team members work closely with Patrol Aviation Units officers for assistance in both response and recognizance.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA accreditation helps ensure the Ohio State Highway Patrol meets national standards of best practices in all areas of its operations. The Accreditation Unit is responsible for managing and coordinating the Highway Patrol’s accreditation program to ensure compliance with CALEA standards.
The Central Records Unit stores all public records maintained by the Department of Public Safety. All public record requests from the Department of Public Safety or its five Divisions are processed by the Central Records Unit.
State troopers assigned to the Capitol Operations Unit provide security and conduct criminal investigations in the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Government Center and the Rhodes State Office Tower as well as the Ohio Judicial Center which houses the Ohio Supreme Court. The division's explosive detection canines are assigned to this detail. The Patrol's explosive detection canines are available on a statewide bases for all law enforcement agencies.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Photographic Services Unit is responsible for providing all of the photographic and digital imaging services for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The laboratory’s principal responsibilities include image acquisition, image management, file security and printing of images from crashes investigated by troopers statewide. Annually, over one million electronic image files are managed and nearly 12,000 requests for photographic prints are honored by Division technicians.
The Policy Development Unit maintains and develops policy and procedures that guide the operation of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Public Affairs Unit (PAU) is responsible for communicating the Division’s goals, objectives, strategies, and accomplishments to the public and governmental entities. PAU personnel write and distribute media releases, as well as develop and implement news media relations strategies and campaigns, including coordinating news media ride-alongs with troopers.
Among other functions, PAU personnel create and maintain the Division’s Web site, and monitor and record media coverage of Divisional activities and safety efforts.
PAU personnel work with communities, corporations, and government agencies to further the Division’s award-winning Partners for Safety effort. In addition, the unit works closely with Patrol Districts and Posts to assist Partners for Safety efforts at the local level.
Personnel promote the Division statewide and nationally as a law enforcement and public service leader by writing and submitting articles for publication, preparing speeches for the superintendent and senior staff, and submitting award nominations in international, national, state, and local law enforcement competitions.
In addition, PAU personnel operate the Trademark Licensing Program, which controls the use of the Division’s federally protected logo, and coordinate the Ohio Public Information Officers organization.
The Research and Development Unit conducts a wide range of long-term research for the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Responsibilities of the unit generally fall into the following primary areas.
Responsible for coordinating special events for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Events include cadet and basic graduations, open house ceremonies, internal and external meetings, and employee recognition programs.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Unit (SAU) is situated within the Office of Strategic Services section of OSHP at General Headquarters.
In the last few years the Ohio State Highway Patrol has undergone a significant transition to capture and utilize more data with in-car computers, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and GPS technology for location based reporting.
With this increase in data capture, there is an equal need to analyze that data for trends, predictions, and strategic planning.
The SAU examines data captured in traffic stops, crashes, and case activity to identify trends that can be used for operational deployment of resources to stop violators, prevent crashes and catch criminals.
SAU works daily on those products that are delivered to the field commanders, supervisors, and troopers, assisting them with their efforts toward achieving the OSHP mission:
“An internationally accredited agency whose mission is to protect life and property, promote traffic safety and provide professional public safety services with respect, compassion, and unbiased professionalism.”
For years law enforcement in general has captured mountains of data with little ability to form a useful product out of all that information. The SAU sifts, squeezes, and synchronizes that mountain of data into workable reports and maps that can be retrieved and used.
A testament of the SAU ability to work with the field commanders has been demonstrated with the LifeStat 1.0 initiative. The efforts of OSHP have been extracted, weighed, analyzed and transformed into products useful to the Division as well as the media outlets.
Some of the products that originate from the Statistical Analysis Unit are:
• Monthly Business Plan
• Patrol & Public Safety Reports
• GIS maps of injury and fatal crashes
• Hotspot analysis
• Interactive Google Earth ® maps
• Monthly Division statistical summaries
• Commercial fatal crash causation summary
• District line inspections
Units within Technology & Communication Services
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LEADS has conducted on-site audits of our users since 1990. These inspections are done every 2 years and serve as an opportunity for an agency to benefit from one-on-one interaction with a knowledgeable member of LEADS. The 4 data security specialists review LEADS operations during audits and assist in a variety of training sessions. Each agency on LEADS designates a point of contact called a terminal agency coordinator, (TAC). The TAC is required to attend a class that introduces them to the responsibilities of the position. They are also required to attend annual in-service training put on by the LEADS training officer. The trainer also provides classes in basic LEADS use and other topics. The auditing and training section also publishes our quarterly newsletter, The LEADing News, and maintains our training and operator manuals.
The increased awareness of the importance of data and system security prompted LEADS to designate an information security officer. This position coordinates the efforts of all the LEADS workgroups to ensure the integrity of the system remains in tact. This involves working closely with agencies that connect to our system to review the technical requirements needed to prevent unauthorized access. LEADS has implemented a detailed technical security audit which includes network diagrams, on-site reviews, and third party assessments to assist us.
Because the most frequent misuse of the system comes from inappropriate use by users, LEADS has a sworn highway patrol officer responsible for security of the information. The LEADS security officer works with our user agencies when there are allegations that LEADS information was used for other-than-criminal-justice purposes. LEADS security can review backup records of system transactions to determine when information was run and who the operator was at the time.
The LEADS security officer is responsible for obtaining new agency identifiers from NCIC, following-up on validations of records in the system, and enforcing NCIC policies within Ohio. They also maintain the 14 administrative code sections that govern LEADS under OAC §4501:2-10.
The Central Install facility is located at the Department of Public Safety’s Alum Creek Complex in southeast Columbus. This facility is made up of Electronic Technicians (ET’s) who are responsible for installing all Highway Patrol cruisers with radio and electronic equipment. This equipment includes radios, CB’s, scanners, lightbars, sirens, and alarm systems. This unit also handles vehicle installations for all of the Department of Public Safety fleet.
The Central Install ET’s also provide support to District ET’s and maintain the Division’s Mobile Command Vehicle in a constant state of readiness to respond to statewide emergency situations.
The Communications Support Unit maintains all telecommunications systems used by Highway Patrol employees. These systems include the existing radio system, telephones, cellular telephones, and pagers. The employees assigned to this unit come from a variety of telecommunications or radio backgrounds and hold appropriate state and federal licenses and certifications. Their main duties include maintaining a professional relationship with all contracted vendors and monitoring the level of service provided. All service requests for communications equipment and services are reviewed and implemented through this office. Two Electronic Technician Managers also coordinate with District Electronic Technicians and the Divisions use of the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System.
The Computer Operations Unit is made up of a Computer Operations Supervisor and 13 Network Administrators (NA’s). This group supports and maintains all computer related equipment at all Highway Patrol field offices, BMV field offices, and Liquor Enforcement field offices. With the vast amount of communication using e-mail on the Department of Public Safety computer network and the hundreds of desktop and laptop computers in use at these facilities, the Highway Patrol NA’s work with a centralized Help Desk in Columbus. This system allows for timely response to our users’ needs and an organized approach to computer maintenance.
The Law Enforcement Automated Data System, (LEADS) serves as the electronic communication network for Ohio’s criminal justice communities. LEADS is used by law enforcement, courts and prosecutors across the state to inquire on information about driving records, vehicle ownership and outstanding warrants. Through the LEADS connections to other agencies, our users can review drivers’ license images, past criminal histories or parole status. LEADS also serves as the gateway to the National Crime Information Center, (NCIC). Through NCIC, LEADS users have access to the same information on a national and international level. Further access through LEADS to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, (NLETS) enables fast electronic communications with criminal justice agencies internationally.
The LEADS is self funded through its user fees, and it allows for a variety of participation levels. Currently there are just over 600 Ohio criminal justice agencies with a LEADS supplied terminal installed. Many other agencies access LEADS through one of several regional systems connected to LEADS. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 5503.10 the Superintendent of the Highway Patrol is responsible to administer LEADS and promulgate the administrative codes used to set the rules for its use.
LEADS control is the 7-day-a-week 24-hour-a-day help desk for LEADS users. This group of employees serves as the point of first contact. They monitor the health of the network and work with several commercial vendors to coordinate repairs to the system or a particular site. Our users turn to them for assistance in making entries, becoming LEADS certified, or whenever they encounter problems with LEADS, its equipment, or an application. The help desk staff maintains the databases with all 30,000 plus certified operators and our agencies. They track requests for service and often have to resolve differences between our users and our vendors. LEADS control is also the distribution point for all messages from out of state.
The Multi Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) is a program coordinated by the Department of Administrative Services and includes the Highway Patrol as a major user of the system. The system allows the Division to use modern communications technology that benefits the field personnel in their daily operations. Included in this system is an 800 MHz digital trunked radio system, a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Mobile Computer Terminals (MCT’s) in patrol vehicles, and an Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system.
Not only does the system allow for enhanced communications for the Division, it also establishes interoperability between the Highway Patrol and other agencies such as the State and County Emergency Management Agencies, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Local Public Safety Agencies. Several employees from Technology and Communications Services serve as the Division’s MARCS coordination team to ensure communications needs for the field personnel will be met.
The Network Administrators support and maintain all computer related equipment at all Highway Patrol field offices, BMV field offices, and Liquor Enforcement field offices. They also respond to outages at all of the Criminal Justice agencies using LEADS to assist in correcting network problems. With the vast amount of communication using e-mail on the Department of Public Safety computer network and the hundreds of desktop and laptop computers in use at these facilities, the Highway Patrol NA’s work with a centralized Help Desk in Columbus. This system allows for timely response to our users’ needs and an organized approach to computer maintenance.
The Network Service Technicians configure and support the computer infrastructure of the entire Department of Public Safety allowing the variety of systems to communicate reliably and securely.
The LEADS programming analyst supervisor and six programmers assigned to LEADS are dedicated to meeting the primary mission of LEADS — officer safety. The majority of their efforts are devoted to system improvements, based on user recommendations and working with vendors to provide individualized services to agencies. The programming unit is also key to protection of the data and researching possible misuse of the system.
The Systems Operations Unit is supervised by an Information Technology Manager and consists of several work units; Network Administrators, Network Service Technicians, Programmers, and Security staff.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Facilities Management Section provides the Ohio Department of Public Safety with oversight of all design, construction, land acquisition and sales, and leased space. The section actively maintains over four hundred facilities which include Administration Facilities, Deputy Registrar locations, Driver Examination and Commercial Driver Examination locations, Interstate Commercial Truck Weigh Scale locations, Radio Broadcast Tower sites, Criminal and Investigative Laboratories, and Ohio State Highway Patrol facilities which consist primarily of ten District Headquarter facilities and fifty four Ohio State Highway Patrol Post locations, in addition to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy facilities, Aviation facilities, and other locations. Currently, the Ohio Department of Public Safety employs approximately 6,200 people, including over 1,400 Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers, in serving the citizens across the State of Ohio.
Facilities Management staff consists of professional facility planners, architects, and support and administrative personnel engaging in the continuous evaluation of the needs of the Department, with management of budgetary constraints. The section strives to achieve operational efficiency, and to ensure a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for the public.
The Fiscal Services Section of the Office of Finance/Logistic Services manages the funding for the Division of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The section manages all of its funds and provides reporting and forecasting to the Superintendent and Director.
The biennial budget for the Division is authored by employees in fiscal services. Data and reports from all components of the Patrol are utilized to generate an accurate and responsible budget submission. The biennium budget for fiscal years 2008 – 2009 is more than $613 million.
Fiscal Services processes over 45,000 invoices each year; scores of vendor contracts are referred to daily as account examiners process payments. Employees manage a variety of funds from the operating account to federally supported funds. Major operations of the Highway Patrol typically begin and end within the scope of Fiscal Services. Personnel costings, as well as equipment expenditures, must be considered when deploying resources to projects such as the John Parson’s Manhunt and the Ohio State Fair.
The Patrol’s budget is divided into three main areas. Of the Patrol’s operating budget, approximately 79 percent is spent on human resources, 15 percent is used for maintenance items, and 6 percent is earmarked for equipment needs. Over the past years the funding for the Patrol consisted largely of motor vehicle fuel taxes. These funds are no longer available to the Patrol. Funding for the Patrol now consists largely of fees received from license and registration fees; the reminder consists of federal grants, fee and fines, general revenue funds, and self-supporting rotary accounts.
July 3, 2007, Fiscal Services will be using the new Ohio Administrative Knowledge System (OAKS) system to process account receivables, account payables and the Division’s budget.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Fleet Management Section is responsible for the 1800 vehicles that make up the Department of Public Safety’s motor vehicle fleet. The section prepares specifications and purchases vehicles, in addition to the routine inspection, assignment, and salvaging of the vehicles.
Fleet Management is also responsible for maintaining a statewide vehicle cost computer system and operating a fuel card program. They also review all fleet related invoices, install decals and seat covers on enforcement vehicles, and operating motor pools at the Shipley Building and at the Alum Creek Facility.
This unit is responsible for the building maintenance, landscaping and custodial operations at the Academy. Other administrative matters overseen in this unit are contracts, building and classroom repair, remodeling and updating. Academy personnel matters such as payroll, issued equipment and uniforms, non-sworn employee training and administrative investigations are also handled within this unit.
The Procurement Section of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is responsible for the acquisition of supplies, equipment, and services required for the operation of all Division facilities. This includes the purchasing of electronics, computer-related equipment, office and maintenance supplies, and any other goods required for the operation of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and it’s various entities. The Procurement Section also works with the Department of Administrative Services in the development and implementation of contracts for equipment and supplies.
The Procurement Section falls under the umbrella of the Office of Finance/Logistic Services, and is responsible for overseeing the Stockroom, Fleet Management, and the Tailor Shop.
The Procurement Section ensures that all division purchases are in compliance with governmental laws, procedures, and competitive selection. Monetary funds are monitored closely as part of the purchasing function to ensure that purchases are fiscally responsible and handled in the most expedient and professional manner.
The Licensing and Testing Unit is part of Licensing and Commercial Standards for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This unit’s responsibilities is administration of road and written testing for drivers of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and motorized bicycles.
Driver License Testing
Patrol driver license examiners staff ninety-one (91) driver examination stations across the state and annually administer more than 250,000 driving tests, more than 275,000 maneuverability tests, and over 575,000 written tests for non-commercial drivers. Exam station personnel also administer written Commercial Driver License (CDL) tests. Exam station locations and telephone numbers may be accessed through the County-by-County Services page Prior to obtaining a first Ohio driver's license, applicants should obtain a copy of Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws and learn all material contained therein. A copy may be obtained by clicking the link or by visiting any driver examination station, deputy registrar location, or Highway Patrol post.
Schedule Ohio driver license test online
County-by-County Services page
Commercial Vehicle Basic Skills Test
For the basic control skills test, you will demonstrate your ability to maneuver a commercial vehicle around other objects. You will receive points for pull-ups and crossing over or touching boundary lines or cones. You will be permitted to exit the vehicle to check behind. When exiting the vehicle you must set your parking brake and place the vehicle in neutral. You must safely exit facing the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. You must complete the exercise as directed. Specific instructions will be given for each exercise prior to performing them.
Straight-line Backing |
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Offset Backing |
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Parallel Parking |
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Alley Dock |
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Commercial Vehicle Basic Skills Diagram (.pdf)
CDL Basic Control Skills Test General Instructions (.pdf)
TSA Hazmat Threat Assessment Program:
Additional resources:
The Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit’s primary function is to ensure the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles within the State of Ohio. This goal is achieved through education and enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and PUCO Safety Rules. Commercial Motor Vehicle Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspectors conduct these inspections.
The Unit is also responsible for enforcement of size and weight laws relating to commercial vehicles. The Unit has 12 portable scale teams located throughout the state. A scale team consists of a Load Limit Inspector Trooper and two Load Limit Inspectors. There are also 16 fixed scale facilities located throughout the state. All interstate scale facilities are equipped with an electronic clearance system known as "PrePass." Commercial motor vehicles equipped with Prepass will receive an electronic in-cab signal informing the driver whether to pull into the scale or permit the driver to bypass the scale facility. The PrePass signal overrides the posted signs for all trucks including hazardous material placarded vehicles.
Education of law enforcement agencies and trucking companies is a proactive function of the Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit. The Unit presents commercial vehicle safety and familiarization education classes. This no cost training is for law enforcement agencies desiring to become more involved in commercial vehicle enforcement.
The Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit partners with several trucking companies to staff static displays around the state. These displays promote highway safety and sharing the road safely with commercial vehicles.
The Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit consists of a Licensing & Commercial Standards Unit Commander Lieutenant, a Commercial Enforcement Coordinator Sergeant and a Motor Carrier Enforcement Supervisor in each District. Commercial Motor Vehicle Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspectors are assigned at the District level. The Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit also includes General Headquarters Staff
Mandatory Bus Inspection Receipts:
Effective February 13, 2006, Mandatory Bus Inspection Receipts will now be available for purchase at any one of the 217 Bureau of Motor Vehicles Deputy Registrar's Office (for locations, click here) located across the state of Ohio.
Due to the change of the process, you will no longer be able to purchase the receipts from the Patrol's Office of Licensing and Commercial Standards Section.
Mandatory Commercial Bus Inspection Sites
Findlay District |
Columbus District |
Bucyrus District |
Cambridge District |
Massillon District |
Wilmington District |
Warren District |
Jackson District |
Piqua District |
Cleveland District |
Truck Drivers Guide Book (.pdf)
Ohio Bus Inspection Program (.pdf)
Related links:
TSA Hazmat Threat Assessment Program
The Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit responsibilities include:
Members of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit inspect more than 23,000 Ohio school buses at least twice a year. The inspectors certify that the school buses are compliant with all Federal and State rules and regulations, thereby ensuring the safety of every child who rides those buses to and from school and school-related events during the year. School buses that do not pass inspections are immediately removed from service until repairs are made.
The inspectors conduct roadside motor vehicle inspections and annual church bus inspections. Inspectors conduct over 30,000 salvage vehicle inspections each year that aides in detecting stolen vehicles and parts.
A representative of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit chairs the Ohio School Bus Construction Standards Advisory Committee. The unit also conducts pupil safety and transportation workshops around the state in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio School Bus Mechanic’s Association and the Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation.
Findlay District |
Columbus District |
Bucyrus District |
Cambridge District |
Massillon District |
Wilmington District |
Warren District |
Jackson District |
Piqua District |
Cleveland District |
Publications:
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2009
School Bus Inspection Manual (.pdf) |
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Approved Option List for Ohio School Bus (.pdf) - Updated Sept. 2009 |
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Related Links:
The personnel who staff the range and armory in the Academy are responsible for the following duties:
The range officers are ultimately responsible for all Division firearms training to include updating lesson plans and firearms procedures, instructing Cadets, Basics, FAST school students, and SRT members. All Firearms training records are kept for the entire state by the academy range officers.
Scheduling of the range for Division purposes or outside agency use is handled through the Academy range officers.
The Computer Crimes Unit was established in June 2001. The CCU provides technical and investigative expertise:
The Computer Crimes Unit consists of two sworn members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and two civilian computer forensics specialists. This unit investigates in cases encompassing a wide variety of criminal offenses, including adult entertainment crimes, aggravated menacing, internet fraud, harassment, intelligence, child pornography, rape, robbery, exploitation of minors, spam, terroristic threatening, theft, and unauthorized access to computers. In addition, the Computer Crimes Unit is often called upon for technical assistance. This included training other officers in detecting potential sources of high technology evidence as well as properly securing this evidence until further analysis could be performed.
The primary responsibility of the Computer Crimes Unit is forensic
examination of computer media. These forensic examinations are utilized
for a variety of different crimes, including child pornography, fraud,
homicide, drug related crimes, sexual assault/rape, and illegal access
of a computer system. In addition to the hard drives examined, investigations
also include the examination of other computer media such as cellular
telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), CD ROMS, Zip Disks,
Memory Sticks, Tape Drives, and Floppy Disks
Additionally, this section provides this assistance to other State,
Local, and Federal law enforcement agencies as well.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Lab provides forensic services to the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies. The Crime Lab conducts forensic analyses across several disciplines, including:
Drug Chemistry – to identify and determine if
submitted evidence contains controlled substances, cannabis, and
the identification of non-controlled substances.
Toxicology – to identify drugs and levels of
ethanol in blood, urine, or other body fluids.
Trace Analysis – to identify and compare traces
of evidence from crashes and non-drug related investigations. Sub-specialties
in this category include the examination of tool mark impressions,
paint, hair, fiber, and filament examinations as well as serial
number restorations.
Microscopy – to obtain enlarged images of small
objects, such as hairs, fibers, and fluorescent odometer impressions.
Latent Prints – to locate develop and compare
prints left at crime scenes with those of potential suspects, as
well as to establish ownership of contraband items.
Firearms – to determine if specific bullets,
cartridges, or firearms can be related to particular crimes.
External Agency Submission Form
The Ohio State Highway Patrol's Criminal Intelligence & Counter-terrorism Unit's mission is to collect, evaluate and disseminate intelligence data on organized criminal and terrorist groups, both traditional and non-traditional, that are active within Ohio and the surrounding states.
With the assistance of federal, state and local agencies, the CCriminal Intelligence & Counter-terrorism Unit has continued to monitor the activities of known Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Hate Groups, “Left Wing” and “Right Wing” Extremists Groups, Anti-Government Groups, Special Interest Groups, Domestic and International Terrorists Organizations. By the nature of this type of work, much of this section’s activity is confidential, and for dissemination to law enforcement only.
The Criminal Intelligence & Counter-terrorism Unit is broken into two sections:
Criminal Intelligence section
In April 2004, the Criminal Intelligence Section was expanded with the addition of the analytical unit. These units were added to support the division with analytical products, maintaining multiple databases, and searches of these databases.
The Criminal Intelligence Section is currently comprised of sworn and civilian criminal analysts who are tasked with a multitude of responsibilities. One of these responsibilities was the formation of a monthly intelligence bulletin, disseminated to the field. The purpose of this bulletin was to coordinate the exchange of interstate and intrastate intelligence information pertaining to domestic / international terrorism, and criminal activity. These bulletins are intended to educate and inform our troopers on tactics and weapons used intrastate, regionally, and nationally by criminals and arrestees, for the safety of our troopers. Additionally, this section provides this assistance to other State, Local, and Federal law enforcement agencies as well.
Another function of the analytical unit is the management of multiple databases to input and receive confidential information, evaluate patterns and trends of suspicious criminal extremist activity. Some of the databases maintained by the analytical unit are the Regional Information Sharing System (Riss.Net), the Joint Regional Informational Exchange System (JRIES), -), Law Enforcement Online (LEO), LEXIS-NEXIS. The analytical unit makes queries on these databases to assist troopers, officers, and agents in the field to enhance their investigations and provide targets for investigation.
Counter-terrorism section
The investigations conducted by the troopers in this Counter-Terrorism Section are very confidential and their activity is governed by federal law that mandates dissemination of intelligence information to law enforcement only. The investigators within this unit have federal clearances to work and share information with our federal partners in the area of homeland security. This unit works directly with the U.S. Attorney’s “Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council” (ATAC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the United States Secret Service, the United State Coast Guard, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE), the U.S. Postal inspector, the Ohio National Guard, all U.S. military service investigative units, other state police agencies, and regional county / municipal law enforcement agencies. The “Counter-Terrorism Unit” is charged with investigating terrorism activities within the state of Ohio and works both and jointly with federal agents to develop intelligence information and criminal prosecutions in this area.
Counter Terrorism investigators are often called on to assist in various investigations conducted by other Ohio law enforcement agencies, as well as agencies in other states and countries. These investigations covered the entire spectrum of organized crime, gang, and terrorism extremist type of activity.
Forms
Law Enforcement Request for Assistance
Suspicious Activity/Information Report
Some of the Unit's responsibilities consist of Executive/Dignitary protection of the Governor and First Lady and visiting dignitaries as directed by the Governor's Office.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Polygraph Unit is part of the Division's Office of Investigative Services. The unit consists six Certified Polygraph Examiners. The Polygraph Unit has three examiners in the Columbus office, one examiner each in Cincinnati, Massillion, and Cleveland offices.
The Polygraph Unit conducts examinations of the Division's trooper applicants plus criminal examinations for any law enforcement agency, court and prosecutor's office at no cost to the requesting agency.
In 2006 the Polygraph Unit completed 117 OSHP applicants, 48 other applicants, 28 OSHP criminal examinations and 337 criminal examinations for outside agencies, for a total of 580 examinations.
