Columbus and Dayton File First-of-its-Kind Suit Against Ohio Attorney General’s Office Over Failure to Ensure Criminal Convictions Are Entered Into Background Check Databases

On February 9, 2020, the cities of Columbus and Dayton filed an amended complaint in a first-of-its kind lawsuit alleging that court intervention is required to remedy massive gaps that have plagued Ohio’s criminal background check databases for years, putting public safety at risk. As a result of these gaps, the case alleges, thousands of people prohibited from possessing firearms because of a criminal conviction can currently pass background checks ⁠— including background checks required to buy firearms, obtain an Ohio concealed carry permit and be hired in sensitive positions including working with children. The cities are seeking a court order directing the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), a division of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, to take prompt corrective action.

Case Documents

Press