Prosecutor’s group opposes lethal-force prosecution changes

COLUMBUS (AP) — A task force recommendation that Ohio’s attorney general be given exclusive authority to investigate cases involving police use of lethal force is drawing opposition from a prosecutors association and others.

A task force studying ways to improve Ohio’s grand jury system has recommended that county prosecutors be stripped of their power to investigate and prosecute fatal use of force by police officers.

The report suggests that would increase public confidence since the state Attorney General’s Office doesn’t have the close working relationships that local prosecutors have with officers who could be subjects of investigations.

But The Columbus Dispatch report the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association says local prosecutors are “perfectly capable” of dealing with those cases.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office doesn’t need the added responsibility.