Good morning Commissioners,
My name is Gabe Davis, and I’m here on behalf of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center to urge you to fund the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit. This is not just a budget line—it’s a promise that justice in Hamilton County will be fair, accountable, and rooted in truth.
Across the country, Conviction Integrity Units have transformed how prosecutors approach justice. They do more than just correct wrongful convictions—they protect civil rights and serve as engines of good government. They operate with transparency, independence, and a mandate to address not only innocence claims but also cases of excessive punishment and other forms of manifest injustice, because justice does not end at conviction.
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center fights for this principle and for a system that values truth over finality. The CIU embodies those values by providing a structured, transparent process to investigate innocence claims using rigorous standards. But we can—and must—go further. A truly effective CIU should also review sentences and terms of imprisonment that shock the conscience, as well as cases of incarceration where fairness is being compromised, even if guilt has been established. Because justice is not just about whether someone committed a crime—it’s about whether the punishment fits and whether the process was just.
And here’s the reality: while in Columbus, Ohio’s Legislature is passing wasteful and ineffective laws that do nothing more than increase penalties, here in Hamilton County we have an opportunity to inject life into the part of law enforcement that is all about getting it right—saving taxpayer dollars while protecting the innocent and freeing those who are disproportionately and thus wrongfully incarcerated. This is smart justice, and it’s the kind of leadership our community deserves.
Funding this CIU is an investment in integrity. It strengthens public trust, prevents future errors, and ensures that Hamilton County leads the way in building a justice system that is fair, intelligent, and redemptive. And let’s be clear: public safety depends on public trust. When communities believe law enforcement is committed to fairness and accountability, cooperation increases, legitimacy grows, and everyone is safer.
By investing in a robust CIU, you send a clear message: Hamilton County will pursue truth, correct injustice, and uphold the highest standards of fairness.
Thank you.
Gabriel Davis
Chief Executive Officer