In 2001, following the civil unrest in our urban core, Cincinnati did what we do best: We came together to craft solutions that worked for us. Local government, community advocates, and the Cincinnati Police Department forged the Collaborative Agreement, which began the work of repairing police-community relations. At the same time, the city government and the business community created the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation to revitalize Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
The results of those efforts have been undeniable. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed stronger relationships between CPD and the community − thanks to the leadership of people like Iris Roley, Rev. Damon Lynch III, and many CPD leaders − and the transformation of Downtown and OTR into places that attract residents and visitors in ways unimaginable in 2001. The path has not been without setbacks and challenges, but the outcomes − a stronger urban core and a more collaborative problem-solving partnership between CPD and the community − stand as proof of what can be achieved with thoughtful leadership that brings people together.
The recent spike in crime in our Downtown and OTR neighborhoods − which goes against the flat to declining crime, especially shootings, across the city − puts that progress at risk, which is why this council and mayor have doubled down on public safety investments. Here’s what’s been done:
- More officers, better pay. Over the past four budget cycles, we have authorized CPD to recruit 448 new officers − versus 158 authorized in the previous four years − bringing us closer to full authorized strength. We also approved the largest CPD pay raise in 40 years to ensure we can recruit and retain the best talent. Most recently, CPD has expanded foot patrols in Downtown and OTR and created a 30-member task force to respond rapidly to crime hot spots citywide.
- New tools. CPD is now using drones as first responders. City Council authorized a strengthened youth curfew of 11 p.m. citywide (9 p.m. in Downtown and OTR) to keep our kids safe. And CPD is partnering with the Ohio Highway Patrol to do traffic enforcement and crash response on our interstates, allowing CPD to focus resources on our neighborhoods.
- Funding proven strategies. Recognizing that policing cannot solve every public safety challenge, as a core part of “Act for Cincy,” we have fully funded Cincinnati Recreation Centers, ensuring pools remain open and programs like Rec @ Night and summer jobs provide positive outlets for youth. We also launched the Alternative Response to Crisis, dispatching paramedics and social workers to non-violent calls so that CPD officers can concentrate on serious crime. Finally, the recently passed Vacant Building Registration Ordinance that I spearheaded goes into effect next year; it will eliminate over 2,800 blighted vacant buildings that are often the source of public safety hazards.
Those are the right steps, but just as we did more than 20 years ago, we must explore new and innovative approaches to public safety in our urban core and other hotspot neighborhoods. Recently, I championed funding for a downtown community plan. It’s an opportunity to bring stakeholders together not only to imagine the future of downtown, but to ensure we have the right systems in place to keep it safe and vibrant for years to come. As before, I expect this work to yield fresh solutions and stronger structures not from outside influences, but from those local stakeholders closest to the challenges in our city…