The investigation that led to an arrest in the serial shootings in central Ohio involved more than 10 law-enforcement agencies and cost taxpayers more than $3 million, reports the Columbus Dispatch. That's about $750,000 per month during the four-month investigation into shootings that killed Gail Knisley, 62, and damaged vehicles, a school, homes and two school buses. Charles McCoy Jr., 28, has been charged in one of the shootings.
The initial cost estimate was $2.2 million for equipment, manpower, and overtime. That does not include Costs incurred by the FBI, regular-duty pay for Franklin County deputies assigned full time to the shootings task force, and a ShotSpotter system installed to pinpoint the location of any shots fired. The system likely cost $1 million, which was paid by the FBI.
The tally, it shouldn't be questioned, said County Commissioner Dewey Stokes, who stood beside task force officials promising to fund “whatever it takes.” “When the bullets start flying, there is no time to start putting the numbers in the right column. It's about the safety of the citizens,” he said.
Link: http://www.dispatch.com/reports-story.php?story=dispatch/2004/03/28/20040328-A1-02.html