COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's next attorney general has appointed a law enforcement veteran as his director of the state's criminal investigation bureau.

The selection of Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer was announced Friday by GOP Attorney General-elect David Yost.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides investigative assistance to local agencies upon request and processes crime scene evidence, among other responsibilities. Agents have assisted in or led some of the state's biggest criminal investigations, including the 2016 slaying of eight family members in southern Ohio.

The 59-year-old Morbitzer has been Westerville chief since 2005, and has been recognized for his community relations efforts and improvements in the department's hiring process.

Last year Morbitzer helped the agency and city weather the fatal shooting of two police officers responding to a domestic violence call.

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