Well, it's pretty well known that if you are going to say, shoplift or buy drugs, you do it in Hamilton County because you simply won't be thrown in jail -- or even given ankle bracelets because those are all but taken and used.

Check this out ... pretty crazy stats:

 

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/03/why-we-must-fix-our-prisons.html?index=2

^Heh. You should see what it is for Kentucky. I pulled the stats up for a report I wrote several years ago, but basically, Kentucky incarcerates more than most states for marijuana possession. Hell, we spend close to $980 million A YEAR to "eradicate" this weed from our soils, when it is very well suited for our poor draining clay soils. Our state's financial troubles are almost directly caused by the burgeoning prison system, which instead of saving money as were projected to do, have been huge financial pits.

 

    There have been 5 homicides in the last 5 days, not counting the shooting in Price Hill.

 

    If they are related, I think it's related to weather. More people are spending time outside because the weather is good, and they come in contact with each other more. They say that bad weather is the policeman's friend.

Talk in the community, Reinhaus said, was that the shooting was retaliation for the Saturday killing of Michael French, 34, who was found shot on Bardes Alley near a playground.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100323/NEWS0107/303230029/13-year-old+suspect+in+homicide

 

 

I don't understand everything you're saying.  No, I don't attend COAST or NAACP meetings.  I don't know what they are discussing, so that's why I started the post by saying "I wonder if...."  All I know is that COAST and the local NAACP campaigned heavily against building a new prison in Hamilton County the last time the issue was on the ballot.  I don't understand what the comment about "they will commit more crime" is referencing.

Just saying. These are people that are crimnals. Saying something to them will not change that fact. It will only make them mad. You have to DO something to them not SAY something to them.

^ I still don't quite understand.  Are you saying that COAST and NAACP are criminals?  And I never said anything about saying something to anyone.

Shootings continue overnight

By Jennifer Baker, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 25, 2010

 

EVANSTON – Cincinnati police said they are investigating a shooting overnight at Clarion Avenue and Montgomery Road.

 

The victim was shot several times in the 1800 block of Clarion Avenue just after 2:30 a.m.

xumelanie, natininja, and unusual, I'm curious on your personal take on that article I posted?

xumelanie, natininja, and unusual, I'm curious on your personal take on that article I posted?

 

The numbers mentioned were nationally, so I want to see the numbers for Hamilton County.  Back when the taxes were on the ballot to build a new prison and add rehab programs (including fixing the current juvenile system), my husband looked up the type of people in the Hamilton County prison.  They were violent offenders.  Since then, Queensgate was shut down.  I have a hard time believing that the our justice center is holding many non-violent offenders, if any at all.  At Downtown Residents Council meetings, the police officers are constantly mentioning that they will arrest someone during their shift, only to find them back on the street before their shift is over.

So...I read these articles and I'm personally effected by much of this...I've had several members of my family murdered including a close cousin in one of the more recent shootings.  I've seen enough shootings and been around so much of it that it becomes expected, I can never divorce myself from the reality of this but I can do my part to effect as much change as possible.  I hope that sense of responsibility and desire to help others exists for other members of the UO community. 

Whatever is going on in Cincinnati at this point has clearly passed the "it's warmer" uptick, I'd tend agree with those pointing toward something going on in the criminal underworld.

rofl at "underworld"

 

 

Its only going to get worse if there isnt a big crackdown.  Of course people will continue to pretend there isnt a problem; say how safe OTR is; and how they ride their bike around at all hours without any trouble!!

6th in 8 days; 16 for the year.

 

Deadly shootings continue overnight

Man killed in College Hill is city's sixth fatality in eight days

By Jennifer Baker, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 26, 2010

 

COLLEGE HILL – One person died in a shooting early Friday at the Island Breeze Apartments in the 1000 block of Groesbeck Road, Cincinnati police said.

 

Calvin Lail, who turned 25 on Monday, was shot several times in the back, police said. He was found in a parking lot about 12:20 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene.

I think it's time y'all urban dwellers move out to the 'burbs. It's the only rational thing to do in the face of the genocide taking place. All kidding aside it really is very troubling how cheap some value human life.

Well, it's pretty well known that if you are going to say, shoplift or buy drugs, you do it in Hamilton County because you simply won't be thrown in jail -- or even given ankle bracelets because those are all but taken and used.

TRUTH! The same is true in Montgomery/Cuyahoga counties probably many others too.

xumelanie, natininja, and unusual, I'm curious on your personal take on that article I posted?

It's a complicated problem.

 

First of all, we need to seriously overhaul the Drug War. I have my own ideas about it, but the bottom line is we can't keep with the status-quo.

 

Next, we need to focus on what works statistically, preventing recidivism, and not what makes us feel like the prisoner is sufficiently punished. We need to work more with employers to integrate ex-prisoners into the workforce. Having a criminal record should prevent no one from getting a job -- it's totally counterproductive. I think taking a hard look at what other countries are doing is our best bet. We can cherry-pick their best practices.

 

The founding fathers decided a long time ago on the right to bear arms, and we're now suffering the consequences. I think this is going to be a problem we just have to accept. Likewise, our system naturally creates a larger gap between the rich and the poor than other Western nations. These two things, which I don't see us getting rid of, are bound to put us at a greater disadvantage among Western nations, concerning crime. You don't see the kind of crime we have in the "gun-hating, socialist" nations of Western Europe.

 

Education is key, of course. This is complicated, though, so I can't give you any quick solutions. Gramarye will tell you all we need is a bunch of charter schools, but the solution is nowhere near that simple. In a lot of ways, this just spreads the problem around, or concentrates it and makes it worse. I think if we could identify individuals who would make good teachers prior to them entering the workforce, then giving these people incentives to choose that career path, that is the most realistic thing we might do...but we don't know how to do that, currently, and it may not even be possible. (The key question being how we identify someone with the potential to be a good teacher without having them actually go through all the steps to become one. Perhaps we should stick everyone in an inner-city classroom as part of their liberal arts education.)

 

Working to get rid of institutional racism, whether in the school system or other parts of life is also quite important. We really need to instill a sense of control over one's own destiny among minority (especially black and latino) youth. Whites need to stop pointing fingers, and recognize that minorities truly are discriminated against, and truly are at a disadvantage. Minority leaders need to step up to the plate and preach personal responsibility and free agency, and denounce a woe-is-me victim mindset. People have been pointing fingers and making excuses for far too long, and it only impedes progress.

 

I don't know what kind of reaction you wanted, Cincinnatus, but those are the things I think are relevant to the situation discussed in the article.

>Of course people will continue to pretend there isnt a problem; say how safe OTR is; and how they ride their bike around at all hours without any trouble!!

 

Here's DanB playing his little game again. 

 

The strongest sales tool is fear.  A skilled salesman creates fear where no threat exists.  Politicians are salesman, as is the TV news, so if you live in fear of random crime you are being played.  They're manipulating the hell out of you.   

 

For some reason people love to exaggerate crime.  P.T. Barnum-types realize this and they've got their legs kicked up and cigars lined up.  If you live in fear of random violence you're a sucker and they love to take your money. 

 

 

Race has the Boogeyman. Elm has Freddy Krueger.

5 murders in 5 days = exaggeration!

 

Your quotes:

 

Not inadvisable. I do it all the time. I walk or bike around Over-the-Rhine after midnight on a fairly regular basis and have never had any issue whatsoever.

--March 10th 2am

 

I never have any reason to walk or bike up Elm or Race, so I don't know what goes on there. There are obvious better choices...Central Parkway, Vine, Main, or Sycamore. I'd say Sycamore is probably the safest of all because there's really nothing there and nowhere for some boogeyman to jump out.

--march 10th 12 noon

 

So which is it? Let's hop on that bike and pedal up and down Elm and Race St. at 2 in the morning and see what happens!!

 

 

 

Your post remind me of high-school. When the teacher would give a pop-quiz ... except if you were the teacher, you'd just go through the questions and give us the answers - and not explain how we got the answer.

 

To avoid the fact that homicides are usually directly linked to drug deals gone bad or retaliations from other homicides is extremely misleading.

 

If I want to find out what it's like to live in OTR would it be better to ask DanB or someone that lives there? These are tough questions ...

^ If I go looking for trouble in your neighborhood, will I find it? If I retaliate to someone in your neighborhood, will it be met with hospitality instead of resistance?

If you do something to a certain neighbor, I'd buy you a beer!

 

I understand what you are saying, I'm sure a lot of the problems are caused by outsiders.  I've worked in "bad" neighborhoods, and during the day, I always felt safe, and I was well known and I'm sure any one of the people who lived there would have offered protection if I needed it.  On the other hand, I would not have been walking around that neighborhood at night.  There was a completely different element.

 

Same goes with OTR.  I've had the need to drive around and through it numerous times in the past few months, and I would have no problem walking through any part of it during the day.  Night is a different story.

 

DanB, the issue with me continues to be how fascinated you are with those people who choose to live and invest in OTR.  The fact that you are so interested is actually good news, because it's another sign of the positive momentum; otherwise you woundn't care.  More people are choosing to invest and be excited about positive growth in the neighborhood, because a healthy OTR would provide them a type of living that is mostly unavailable in Cincinnati today.  They are investing despite the crime "issue."  They know that people like you will think they should live in fear for their lives, and the biggest change over the past 5 years is that there are so many more people that are willing to tell you "I don't care if you think I'm crazy." 

 

Just yesterday morning I walked down vine st. and up ahead of me a group of about 15 black "loiterers" were just standing around occupying space on the sidewalk and talking to each other.  I gathered my courage and puffed up my 140 lb. white frame, and walked right through them unscathed!  I didn't even have to cross to the other side of the street.  Wow, to be alive on OTR streets is so exhilarating.  If you were with me, imagine the stories you could tell!

 

There was another homicide in Mt Healthy. I wonder why people aren't talking about that. Oh wait.

There was another homicide in Mt Healthy. I wonder why people aren't talking about that. Oh wait.

 

Because it isn't in my neighborhood, isn't near my workplace, or isn't lumped in the last rash of murders and shootings. Since you know so much about it, why not post it...? Because you'd rather stir the pot.

 

--

 

How about this one? A murder just down the street from me:

 

Man found shot to death in vehicle

The Enquirer • March 28, 2010

 

PENDLETON – A 26-year-old man was found shot inside a vehicle Sunday morning, making him Cincinnati’s 12th homicide in March and the 17th of 2010.

 

Officers responded to 506 E. 12th St. and found the victim, Richard Parks.

^ Not exactly sure what you think I'm assuming, or how I should know about your investments.

 

I just know what you write:

 

"Its only going to get worse if there isnt a big crackdown."

 

"Let's hop on that bike and pedal up and down Elm and Race St. at 2 in the morning and see what happens!!"

 

I see Jake's comments about his OTR bike riding as a straightforward counterpoint to these comments.  I sympathize with his viewpoint.  With all of the exaggerations spewed about OTR and crime, those of us who live here are tempted to use a little more swagger than usual, just to make a point.

 

What can be done about these murders?!

"Just yesterday morning I walked down vine st. and up ahead of me a group of about 15 black "loiterers" were just standing around occupying space on the sidewalk and talking to each other."

 

True story: (This was over 10 years ago.)

 

  Was bicycling through Winton Place and came across about 30 people, all black, standing on the sidewalk farily close to each other and NOT talking or having any obvious reason to be there. Something didn't look right. I turned around and got out of there. This was one of the rare times that I did not feel safe in Cincinnati.

 

  I saw on the news that night that there was a drive-by shooting at that very spot within an hour or two.

 

  It's necessary to use good judgement. Statistically, most murders and other violence occurs between people who know each other, rather than between strangers. There are a few random acts of violence. Still, you don't want to get caught in the crossfire.

 

    For the record, I am generally comfortable in Over-the-Rhine in the daytime.

  "What can be done about these murders?!"

 

    There's another thread for this, but since the police will tell you that 90% of the crime is drug-related, I think the best policy will have to take on the drug problem.

 

    There may not be anything we can do to stop people from abusing drugs. However, there IS something we can do to stop the violent distributions of drugs: legalize the sale of drugs. Of course, this is controversial, because it sends the message that drug use is acceptable. Still, the reason why people are willing to break the law to deal in drugs is because the profits are so high. You don't see much crime associated with illegal sale of tobacco. 

 

    More police, more jail space, or higher penalties for drug infraction is NOT the answer. All of that just drives drug prices even higher.

There may not be anything we can do to stop people from abusing drugs. However, there IS something we can do to stop the violent distributions of drugs: legalize the sale of drugs.

 

This is what Mexico is urging us to do. Makes sense.

What can be done about these murders?!

 

We had a fantastic jail, but it was forced to close thanks to groups such as COAST. Now, 800+ felons were released onto the streets, and many more deserving criminals walk the street daily.

There may not be anything we can do to stop people from abusing drugs. However, there IS something we can do to stop the violent distributions of drugs: legalize the sale of drugs.

 

This is what Mexico is urging us to do. Makes sense.

 

It's funny they legalized the possession of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, but it has had no impact against drug cartels. Instead, they are having a banner year of murders. Mexico is quickly becoming a failed state, boasting a murder rate that makes Camden, NJ look like Jackson, MS in comparison. Their military can't bring down the cartels; their police force is a bribed organization; and now their federal agents are being brutally decapitated. They are probably the worst example; legalize marijuana, good point, but that doesn't solve the underlying issue.

There may not be anything we can do to stop people from abusing drugs. However, there IS something we can do to stop the violent distributions of drugs: legalize the sale of drugs.

 

This is what Mexico is urging us to do. Makes sense.

 

It's funny they legalized the sale of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, but it has had no impact against drug cartels. Instead, they are having a banner year of murders. Mexico is quickly becoming a failed state, boasting a murder rate that makes Camden, NJ look like Jackson, MS in comparison. Their military can't bring down the cartels; their police force is a bribed organization; and now their federal agents are being brutally decapitated. They are probably the worst example; legalize marijuana, good point, but that doesn't solve the underlying issue.

They legalized simple possession, I believe, not sale. As in, they aren't arresting users anymore. This has nothing to do with bringing the supply chain out of the underground, which is the problem.

 

Regardless, Mexicans are not the ones consuming the vast majority of the drugs that flow through Mexico. Americans are.

^Thanks, corrected it. I read the article and still typed that, doh. Yeah, a lot of the drugs in Mexico flows north, but even legalizing it here does little to stop the drug cartels which are overtaking Mexico. And if it ever spills north, as it has started to in communities like Brownsville, TX, we are in real trouble.

 

--

 

Mounted police unit in turmoil

Investigation details charges of cronyism, slurs, bullying

By Eileen Kelley, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 29, 2010

 

Ten months ago, Cincinnati's city manager ordered an investigation into what appeared at first to be a silly matter involving the police department's mounted patrol.

 

But the results were anything but trivial. They revealed a squad in disarray, led by a supervisor who put those she was training at risk and used her friendship with the police chief's wife as a cudgel to keep them in line.

^

But you still missed the point that legalizing possession does nothing to take the wind out of the sails of the cartels and gangs that control the drug trade, while legalizing production and sales do.

It lowers prices and enables the market to take effect, but it still essentially keeps drug cartels in business. It "takes the wind" out of them, but does nothing to stop it. There is an entire thread where I've posted my support for it at http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,18478.0.html

 

Let's hop on that bike and pedal up and down Elm and Race St. at 2 in the morning and see what happens!!

 

 

Same crack dealin and hoe'n that's going on at 2 in the afternoon. 

There may not be anything we can do to stop people from abusing drugs. However, there IS something we can do to stop the violent distributions of drugs: legalize the sale of drugs.

 

This is what Mexico is urging us to do. Makes sense.

 

It's funny they legalized the possession of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, but it has had no impact against drug cartels. Instead, they are having a banner year of murders. Mexico is quickly becoming a failed state, boasting a murder rate that makes Camden, NJ look like Jackson, MS in comparison. Their military can't bring down the cartels; their police force is a bribed organization; and now their federal agents are being brutally decapitated. They are probably the worst example; legalize marijuana, good point, but that doesn't solve the underlying issue.

 

Natininja's correct, Mexico is urging the U.S. to legalize marijuana because we are creating the demand, not Mexico.

 

We've already learned the lessons of Prohibition, eh?

Mallory, Streicher to discuss homicides

The Enquirer, March 30, 2010

 

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and other city leaders today will address the recent rash of gun violence in the city.

 

Mallory will be joined at a 2 p.m. news conference by City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr., Police Chief Tom Streicher, and City Council Public Safety Committee Chair Cecil Thomas.

Is there a citizens' patrol organized for OTR?

There is a Citizens on Patrol group for OTR, but I don't know how active it is now.

Melanie and I were active for a short while with the Citizens on Patrol in OTR and downtown.  If anyone wants any info about the program PM me and I can point you in the right direction.  That being said, we haven't patrolled either neighborhood for almost a year.  I guess it's time to dust off the old jackets  8-).

has anyone addressed the fact that the entire spike in crime coincided with CPS spring break?  Has anyone looked at the patterns regarding this?  I know the "civil distrubance" of '01 coincided with spring break as well.

3 more shot in Avondale after the Mayor denounces the violence. I said it earlier. Saying something does NOTHING, but anger these criminals. DOING something does. This summer looks brutal.

has anyone addressed the fact that the entire spike in crime coincided with CPS spring break? Has anyone looked at the patterns regarding this? I know the "civil distrubance" of '01 coincided with spring break as well.

What can be done?  Martial law? Curfew? Ice cream socials? What do the majority of the residents want to be done to stop the violence?

Catch them. Send them to Prison where they belong. They don't need to be in the justice center. Send them to state prison.

Gee. Who told us to stop caring about this? This affects more than those using drugs or having crazy girlfriends/boyfriends. Given the statements above, some of these have become quite personal.

 

Mallory, mothers mourn death at our doors

By Eileen Kelley, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 30, 2010

 

WEST END – Her life changed forever that night.

 

Robin Moore remembers the date, she remembers the time: Sept. 18, 2007, at 10:45 p.m.

 

“Someone executed my son. I never thought that it would come to my door. I never thought that I would get the call,” Robin Moore said.

 

But she did.

 

“Death did come to my door,” Moore said.

 

--

 

And more needless shooting. What a shitty month for Cincinnati, crime-wise. It's simply dominated the headlines. Not good.

 

Three shot in Avondale

The Enquirer, March 30, 2010

 

AVONDALE – Cincinnati police have shut down Reading Road, near Ridgeway Avenue, after three people were shot there Tuesday evening. The shooting was reported around 7:10 p.m.

 

Three victims were found, at least one with life-threatening injuries, according to preliminary reports. The shooter may have gotten into a yellow car, going east on Ridgeway.

I don't know if anyone followed the Kirkland saga, but he was sentenced to 140 years in prison and 2 death sentences.

 

--

 

Kirkland sentenced to death

By Kimball Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 31, 2010

 

Esme Kenney had to die to give Arlene Lee closure.

 

Lee, grandmother of 14-year-old Casonya “Sharee” Crawford, suffered as police searched for her killer. They only found Anthony Kirkland – and connected him to Crawford’s murder – after he’d confessed to murdering Esme, 13.

They need to do a telethon for donations to build a bigger jail.

It seems now the Enquirer is disabling the comment section on crime topics. They should have done it LOOOONG ago. Nothing but hatred is posted in there. It might be back soon. They did it because of the posting they got on the kid that died from falling off an balcony in Florida.

Maybe i should have said VICTIMS. You see no sympathy for the victims that got shot yet condone their  activity without knowing ANY of the facts. They just assume they were up to no good which lead to the shootings.