COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's budget plan includes funding to set up a state narcotics intelligence center to combat the opioid epidemic.
The new center, which would consist of units in Cleveland and Columbus, would be an unprecedented statewide effort to collect and analyze data from the state's 40-plus police drug task forces. Cleveland.com reports the budget plan includes $3.25 million in funding for the proposed center.
The Republican governor's administration released details on the center Tuesday.
Ohio Department of Public Safety spokesman Lindsey Bohrer says law enforcement officials have told the governor they would like access to other departments' investigative data.
The governor's budget proposal also seeks an additional $2.5 million to support drug task forces statewide.
