Extradition Reimbursement Program

The 2025 Extradition Reimbursement Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), offers funding to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for costs related to extraditing dangerous wanted offenders back to Ohio. This funding is intended to offset the expenses associated with both in-state and out-of-state transports for criminal suspects who pose significant risks to public or officer safety. The program supports Ohio’s broader public safety objectives and complements the initiatives outlined by Governor DeWine’s Ohio Missing Persons Working Group. The program specifically covers costs for extraditions tied to Tier 1 offenses. Tier 1 offenses include violent felony crimes such as aggravated murder, kidnapping, rape, and aggravated assault, as well as certain serious misdemeanors like domestic violence and aggravated menacing. Additionally, based on a May 2025 recommendation by the Ohio Missing Persons Working Group, the program has been expanded to cover cases of interference with custody. OCJS may also consider other offenses that are closely related to Tier 1 designations upon inquiry. Eligible applicants are limited to law enforcement agencies within the state of Ohio. Prosecutors’ offices may apply on behalf of these agencies, provided the law enforcement agency is listed as the implementing agency in the application. To access the funding, agencies must register or log in to the OCJS online grants management portal at http://ocjsgrants.dps.ohio.gov. The application process involves completing an online submission, and agencies that have used the system before are encouraged to use their existing accounts. There is no ceiling or floor on the amount of reimbursement per extradition, and there is no cap on the number of applications a law enforcement agency can submit. The funds can be used for services provided through State-approved transport companies. Acceptable documentation for reimbursement includes public records like a Call for Service record, Police Blotter, journal entries, or transport forms that detail personnel, mileage, and event timing. Additionally, OCJS encourages agencies to request pre-approval for expected extraditions to allow time for administrative processing. The program does not reimburse for in-county or adjacent county transports. There is no maximum distance for eligibility as long as the extradition occurs beyond these geographical restrictions. Reimbursement is retroactively available for extraditions that took place on or after July 1, 2025. Agencies should retain all supporting documentation for audits, on-site visits, or fiscal reviews. For assistance with registration, the application process, or general questions, agencies may contact Shannon Fisher at 614-728-8732 or slfisher@dps.ohio.gov, Melissa Darby at 614-728-8740 or mbdarby@dps.ohio.gov, or Ed Burkhammer at 614-466-5996 or edburkhammer@dps.ohio.gov. Additional information and the application portal are accessible via www.ocjs.ohio.gov or directly through http://ocjsgrants.dps.ohio.gov. The application is currently open, and funds are distributed based on availability and usage.