BLANCHESTER — Blanchester police officers recently destroyed evidence by burning, a project undertaken every three years or so to clear the police evidence room of items no longer needed in court, according to BPD Chief Scott Reinbolt.

The process starts with identifying items no longer needed as evidence, then presenting that list to Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Rick Moyer. He then prepares a petition that is filed with the Judge of the Common Pleas Court, John W. “Tim” Rudduck, said Reinbolt.

The judge then reviews the petition, and if he finds it in order, he directs that the items be destroyed by the police.

“Evidence destruction included 20 boxes of evidence, including in excess of five pounds of marijuana,” Reinbolt said.

Ptl. Kristen Jeffers checks evidence tags prior to burning evidence.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/04/web1_jeffers.jpgPtl. Kristen Jeffers checks evidence tags prior to burning evidence. Blanchester PD

Cpl. James Beckelhymer dumps several pounds of marijuana into the fire.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/04/web1_beckelhymer.jpgCpl. James Beckelhymer dumps several pounds of marijuana into the fire. Blanchester PD