EATON — In order to improve the accuracy and completeness of the state’s criminal records database, Preble County Juvenile Court has been awarded a grant for a new fingerprint scanner from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Ohio law requires clerks of court to report qualifying case information to the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) weekly, regardless of whether the offender is an adult or a juvenile. These records are maintained in the state’s Computerized Criminal History (CCH). Fingerprints are crucial to matching an individual with their criminal record when undergoing a background check, purchasing a firearm, or encountering law enforcement. This new fingerprint scanner, called a LiveScan device, will allow Preble County Juvenile Court to automate the process of fingerprinting delinquent youth and ensure efficient reporting to BCI.

“We are committed to streamlining our reporting processes and are thankful to receive this grant award,” said Preble County Juvenile Court Judge Jenifer K. Overmyer. “I appreciate the initiative of our Court Administrator, Kassie Proffitt, in pursuing the grant which will enable us to more efficiently serve the public and also enhance the accuracy of juvenile delinquency records.”