DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — Ohio is intensifying its efforts to combat violent crime in 2026, with Gov. Mike DeWine emphasizing the deployment of state assets to tackle violent individuals. “Looking at the assets that we can deploy from the state, when we’re dealing with violent crime and violent individuals, this is the best that we can do,” DeWine said. In 2025, the state reported over 500 felony arrests as a result of resource allocation to 23 communities, including Dayton.
The initiative leverages real-time crime security camera analysis and enhances communication between agencies. Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, highlighted the initiative’s impact: “What you have here is really remarkable. Basically what it is doing is it is quickly gathering intelligence or information about crime that’s happening, and it’s almost like an air traffic control center. It’s just directing resources to rapidly respond.”
Dayton has been a key partner in this effort, receiving additional state resources in December to further reduce violent crime. These resources include access to the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, the Ohio Investigative Unit, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims of Dayton stated, “One of the biggest things that we can do in terms of government is keeping our people safe, and that’s a major investment that we have as far as the City of Dayton is concerned.”…