Dept. of Public Safety marks 75th birthday

12/24/2008

The Ohio Department of Public Safety yesterday kicked off a year-long celebration of the agencies's Ohio Investigative Unit, which was formed 75 years ago.

The state created the Department of Liquor Control to oversee the production and sale of alcoholic beverages after prohibition ended in 1933.

The department's Enforcement Division conducted investigations at licensed and unlicensed liquor sale locations throughout Ohio. In 1999, the division was renamed the Ohio Investigative Unit.

During the past 75 years, agents have been involved in investigating and enforcing cases, including bootlegging, moonshine, illegal gambling, drugs and weapons, illegal sales, underage drinking, and sales to intoxicated persons.