The Investigative Services Section is responsible for completing Presentence Investigation (PSI) and Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) eligibility reports for the court. The reports provide the court with a thorough background on the defendant to assist the judge in determining the appropriate case resolution which may include community supervision or sentencing to a state institution.
Investigative probation officers interview the defendant and gather a detailed social history including family background, prior education and employment, a summary of their medical conditions, any substance abuse or mental health conditions, a detailed criminal history, and a summary of the instant offense. Investigative probation officers complete an Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) assessment on the defendant; contact the attorneys involved in the case; contact victims to complete a victim impact statement; determine restitution if necessary; and coordinate referrals to the appropriate social service providers, including local mental health and substance abuse agencies. Once all of this information is gathered, an investigative probation officer completes the requested report with a recommendation to the court regarding the most effective level of supervision for the defendant, if supervision is appropriate. Otherwise, investigative probation officers may recommend a period of incarceration in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
In addition to PSI and ILC reports, the Investigative Services Section is responsible for competing Judicial Release reports on defendants who have filed a motion to be released from prison early and placed back onto community supervision with the Probation Services Department. The majority of these motions are answered via a short Judicial Release report; however, a more detailed report will be completed when the court requests more information. Finally, the Investigative Services Section also completes reports in response to all requests for Transitional Control. Transitional Control allows the defendant to complete the last six months of a prison sentence in an appropriate facility while the defendant is supervised by the Adult Parole Authority.
The Investigative Services Section is part of the court’s Case Management Department and is located on the 8th floor of the Reibold Building located at 14 W. Fourth Street in Dayton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
There is a parking garage attached to the Reibold Building, which accepts credit card payments for hourly rate parking. There are also parking meters on Fourth Street, Pretzinger Street, and Fifth Street.
How close is the office to a Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) hub?
The Dayton RTA has a transit center two blocks away from the Reibold Building:
Wright Stop Plaza Transit Center
4 S. Main Street (Downtown Dayton) 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Phone 937.425.8334
Routes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, X-5, 65
What can I expect?
If you have pled guilty or no contest to an offense, or if you were found guilty by a jury or the court, the judge may request a Presentence Investigation (PSI) Report. This report provides details to the judge about your offense, criminal history, family life, education and employment history, physical and mental health, and substance abuse issues. You will meet with an investigative probation officer in the investigative section to provide information so that the presentence investigation report can be prepared for the judge. The investigative probation officer will conduct an interview with you, and you will provide verification items (such as verification of your residence, prescriptions, employment). The investigative probation officer may require you to report back to the office for follow up interviews, to conduct urinalysis drug testing, or simply to check in, depending on the conditions of your bond.
Many offenders are also referred to this office to determine eligibility for Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC). Your attorney will provide legal advice to determine if you are to be considered for ILC. The ILC investigation is very similar to the Presentence Investigation process.
How long should I expect to be at my first appointment with the investigating officer?
The average PSI or ILC interview takes about 40 minutes. However, the interview could take much longer depending on the nature of your criminal case(s) and the complexity of your personal background information.
May I bring children to the interview?
The investigative section of the Case Management Department receives a wide array of visitors each day. We strongly encourage you not to bring children to your interview for several reasons. It is difficult to conduct a lengthy and in-depth interview in the presence of children. We are not well equipped to monitor and entertain children while you are being interviewed or drug tested. Finally, the officers often deal with contraband and arrests, and we do not feel that this creates a good environment for children.
May I bring a family member or friend to my interview?
Yes, you may bring a support person to your appointment; however, they will not be permitted to sit in during the actual interview. The investigative probation officer may decide to meet with your support person to gather additional information which may be added to your report.
Will I go through any security before entering the investigations office?
Yes, you (and anyone you bring with you) will go through a magnetometer, and your belongings will be searched before you are permitted to enter the investigative section. If any contraband is found, it will be seized and you may be taken into custody.
Please also be aware that you may be required to remove your hat, scarves, coats, and shoes while going through security. Men are not to wear hats within the investigative section.
What are some things the probation officer can do to assist me?
The investigative probation officer can assist you in a variety of ways. If you have any issues or concerns, specifically any issues that present a threat to yourself or your loved ones, please share that information with your investigative probation officer. We may not always be able to provide an immediate solution, but we can often help get a solution in motion. We can assist with substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals, housing referrals, emergency food and clothing needs, and any other social services needs you may encounter. If we do not know the solution, we can figure out who to call for help.
How do I reach the office if I need to reschedule due to an emergency?
Please call 937-225-5868 if you need to speak with an investigative probation officer. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This number is the main office line and will either be answered by the receptionist, who will connect you accordingly, or you will be able to leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.
What should I bring to the initial appointment?
Please bring the following that apply:
- Picture ID
- Your completed Social History Questionnaire (if provided by the Court)
- Verification of current or recent mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Address verification (current utility bill)
- Income verification (recent pay stub, verification of unearned income sources)
- All prescription medications
- Verification of education (high school diploma, GED diploma, college degrees, certifications, current class schedule if currently enrolled in classes)
- DD-214 or verification of active military status
Please do not bring:
- Knives (this includes pocket knives, utility knives)
- Box cutters
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Weapons (including mace, tasers, chains) or any item that can be construed as a weapon
- Open food or drink
