Although this kind of gets into curfews outside of the city of Cincinnati, I'm going to stick it here anyway. From the 7/16/06 Enquirer:

 

 

PHOTO: Deer Park's Renee Allen and her son Shane McGowan, 16, both support curfews. "It keeps people my age out of trouble and stops them from doing stupid stuff," Shane said. The Enquirer/Leigh Patton

 

PHOTO: Madeira Police Chief Frank Maupin says this graffiti was done by teens. City Council enacted a curfew ordinance before summer. THE ENQUIRER/LEIGH PATTON

 

Communities assess curfews

Enforcement, effectiveness hot summer topics

BY STEVE KEMME | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

On a balmy summer night, 30 Cincinnati police officers and 20 trained volunteers fanned out over District 3's 20-square-mile West Side area.

 

Their mission: Crack down on curfew violators.

 

Questioning anyone they spotted on the streets who looked underage, police issued 38 curfew citations and worked with Cheviot police to track down and arrest a 15-year-old boy carrying a pellet gun who was accused of taking a women's purse.

 

"A lot of people think a curfew is not that big of a deal," said Cincinnati Police Sgt. Joe Richardson, who participated in the sweep.

 

But he views curfews as a potential life-and-death issue. He recalled a recent night-time shooting in Price Hill that resulted in two juveniles being wounded.

 

Feoshia Henderson, Jennifer Koehler and Cliff Radel contributed to this report.

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060716/NEWS01/607160360/-1/rss

 

I'm sorry, but stupidity got this guy killed.

 

 

Man Dies After Shooting In Columbia Tusculum

 

A neighborhood pub became part of a crime scene after a man was shot and killed early Wednesday morning.

 

It happened outside Stanley's Pub in Columbia Tusculum.

 

http://www.wcpo.com/news/2006/local/07/19/homicide.html

I'd disagree, to this extent: some fuckhead bastard with a gun got this guy killed - his own poor judgement didn't prevent it.

:roll: :roll: :roll: HOW'S THIS FOR A f$&kING HEADLINE??? HOW'S "FIVE DEAD" FOR THE f$&kING LEAD??? :roll: :roll: :roll:

 

 

PHOTO: Sketch of suspect

 

Killings pile up in city

BY EILEEN KELLEY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Five dead.

 

That's the number of slayings in just three days this week, bringing the city's homicide tally to 51 for the year. At this time a year ago, 42 had been slain.

 

At no other time this year have so many people been killed by guns in a three-day period.

 

"It's insane," said Samantha Morgan, 29, of Clifton.

 

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060722/NEWS01/607220375/1056/rss02

 

I never hear about funeral arrangements and donations for black victims.

I don't know how the Enquirer does it, but at other newspapers I know of, information about donations and services is only printed if the family provides the information.  Also, the newspaper would only bother to ask in the case of a sympathetic victim, such as Brandon Morris.

Does the Enquirer ever do comparisons of the killings here as compared to other cities/metro areas our size?  Yes, it is important to compare to our own records, but how do we compare to other cities.  I suspect that comparison would create a more positive reality.  This is not to say that the deaths are insignificant and that we wouldn't be better if there was no homocides, but is our reality really that bad???

From the 7/27/06 Cincinnati Post:

 

 

West Side drug roundup nets 12

Police promise efforts not over

By Joe Wessels

Post contributor

 

Residents all over the West Side got a wake up call Wednesday morning. And it wasn't the milkman.

 

Cincinnati police acted on 30 indictments written for 20 people officers had been building cases on for about three months, and also executed five search warrants.

 

About 12 people were arrested in Price Hill, Millvale and Fay Apartments on drug trafficking and possession charges.

 

Police, who had been working in the area for about three months on the various investigations, continued concentrated "hot spot" enforcement throughout the day Wednesday, said Cincinnati Police Chief Thomas Streicher.

 

 

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/NEWS01/607270364/1010/RSS01

---

From the 7/26/06 Enquirer:

 

 

Ghiz wants mayor to fund guard

Police Department now pays overtime

BY DAN KLEPAL | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Cincinnati police officer Scotty Johnson has earned more than $5,300 in overtime since being hired as Mayor Mark Mallory's full-time bodyguard in April.

 

Council member Leslie Ghiz will try next week to block Johnson's salary and overtime from being paid by the Police Department while he works in the mayor's office and chauffeurs Mallory to events.

 

Ghiz believes the mayor's office budget should absorb the cost. She will introduce a proposed law that says any personal protection must come out of individual office budgets rather than an administrative budget like that of the Police Department.

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260345/1056/rss02

 

From the 7/29/06 Cincinnati Post:

 

 

Police plan National Night Out events Tuesday

By Joey Leslie

Post staff reporter

 

Cincinnati police officers and local citizens will come together across the city Tuesdayfor the 23rd annual National Night Out.

 

Events will be held in all five Cincinnati Districts to highlight community spirit, police-community partnerships, crime prevention and awareness, safety and fun. There will be refreshments and music at each site.

 

In District One, Mount Adams residents will gather for activities in the parking lot at the corner of St. Paul Place and Pavilion Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Officers on horses will demonstrate equestrian policing maneuvers.

 

 

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060729/NEWS01/607290347/1010/RSS01

 

 

Mallory has clashed with Ghiz several times since they both took office in December.

 

"It's obvious that council member Ghiz will do or say anything to get a headline," Mallory said. "If this gets her a headline, I'm fine with it."

 

Ghiz said it is nothing personal. "This will ensure services like these will be purchased by the office it benefits."

city government conflict!

 

Pass the kool-aid.

From the 8/2/06 Enquirer:

 

 

Residents' 'Night Out' shakes fist at crime

BY QUAN TRUONG | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

COLLEGE HILL - Residents are putting their foot down. No more crime, they say.

 

Scorching temperatures and a heat emergency didn't deter residents from rallying for their communities Tuesday night at the 23rd annual National Night Out.

 

One night a year, police and residents across the nation rally to take back their streets.

 

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/NEWS01/608020377/1056/rss02

---

From the 8/2/06 Eastern Hills Journal:

 

 

Curfew issues minimal on east side

Parks most frequent hangout for teens

BY FORREST SELLERS | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

CINCINNATI -- The dog days of summer may be keeping some teens in as well.

 

According to Officer George Jason with the Cincinnati Police Department, District Two, teen curfew violations have been minimal the last few months.

 

In the communities of Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Mt. Washington and Oakley, Jason said four curfew violations were reported in May, and in June and July six curfew violations were reported.

 

 

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/NEWS01/608020456/1002/RSS01

 

From the 8/2/06 Price Hill Press:

 

 

Police 'Vortex' nets 68 arrests, sends message

BY KURT BACKSCHEIDER | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER

 

PRICE HILL -- Pete Witte said he hopes Operation Vortex sent a message to criminals on the west side.

 

And the Price Hill Civic Club president said he would like to see the Cincinnati Police Department conduct sweeps, like the one it did last Wednesday on the west side, once a month in the city's high crime areas.

 

"I think it puts the idea in the back of these thugs' minds that at any given time the clamp could be put down," Witte said.

 

 

http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060802/NEWS01/608020684/1140/Local

 

<i>It would be nice to see some Federal Tax Dollars go toward the jail. I'm not fan of Hemlich's 20 year plan.</i>

 

<b>U.S. attorney general promises help to battle drug trade</b>

 

<b>BY DAN HORN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER</b>

 

OVER-THE-RHINE U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales toured Over-the-Rhine this morning and promised local authorities a little help in their efforts to stop rising gun violence.

 

The visit to Over-the-Rhine, one of Cincinnatis most violent neighborhoods, was short. Gonzales stood for a few minutes in a vacant lot with Police Chief Tom Streicher and Congressman Steve Chabot, pausing briefly to answer questions from reporters.

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060808/NEWS01/308080039

From the 8/10/06 Enquirer:

 

 

PHOTO: Sheila Reisch, 44, (front) who left prostitution a few months ago, is now working with the Off the Streets program. Carol Thornton (rear) is a former prostitute and now a facilitator for the program. The Enquirer / Craig Ruttle

 

A way off the streets

Program gets women who know the life to help others escape

BY SHARON COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Call it the School for Prostitutes.

 

It's not where women learn how to sell themselves. It's where women who already do learn how to break free of the life.

 

Prostitution is the No. 2 complaint of Cincinnati neighborhood leaders, second only to drugs, said Cincinnati police Capt. Howard Rahtz, who heads the vice squad.

 

 

Source: Cincinnati police[/color]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060810/NEWS01/608100377/1056/rss02

 

From the 8/20/06 Enquirer:

 

 

PHOTO: Dr. O'dell Owens, the Hamilton County coroner. Enquirer file photo

 

PHOTO: Owens talks with Warren Keith, 10, at the coroner's office Thursday for a session with students from Mount Auburn Community Center. Owens has spoken to more than 15,000 Hamilton County children. THE ENQUIRER/CARA OWSLEY

 

PHOTO: Owens (left) walks with friend and neighbor Louis Flanigan near Owens' North Avondale home. The walk often takes him past old homicide scenes. THE ENQUIRER / GARY LANDERS

 

Owens healing the city

Coroner Dr. O'dell Owens shares message with neighbors, students: Stop the killings

BY CHUCK MARTIN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

He walks daily to stay fit and to clear his head. But evidence of violence is inescapable - even in Dr. O'dell Owens' North Avondale neighborhood.

 

Not far from his home, he often walks past former murder scenes - on the sidewalk, in front of a church. For him, it's another reminder of the alarming homicide rate in Cincinnati. So far this year, there have been 56 homicides in the city, compared with 51 during the same period last year.

 

This is on the mind of the Hamilton County coroner as he walks these early mornings. But even though it looks grim, Owens believes people are beginning to hear his message: The killing must stop.

 

 

Chuck Martin[/color]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060820/LIFE/608200334/1079/rss04

 

From the 8/29/06 Enquirer:

 

 

PHOTO: Hundreds showed up for a candlelight vigil in memory of Philip Bates, husband of Cincinnati Public Schools board member Melanie Bates, in front of the couple's North Avondale home Monday evening. The Enquirer / Gary Landers

 

PHOTO: Attending Monday night's vigil were (from left) Abi Ostendorf, 17, of Clifton; Evelyn Loomis, 16, Mount Washington; and Melissa Scovnner, 17, and Hannah Dvorak, 17, both of Mount Lookout. THE ENQUIRER/GARY LANDERS

 

PHOTO GALLERIES

Photos: Bates shooting

 

Neighbors rally after murder

'We're staying. The thugs can go'

BY DAN KLEPAL AND KIMBALL PERRY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITERS

 

NORTH AVONDALE - Philip Bates' slaying early Sunday on his front porch brought shock, sadness and a tinge of fear to this community, particularly those who live in the stately homes along Rose Hill and Beechwood avenues, set back just a block off Reading Road.

 

But the killing has brought something else, too: determination, strength and courage.

 

"We love Cincinnati," said Emily Harten, a North Avondale woman who chatted with a neighbor just a few doors down from the Bates residence Monday afternoon. "We're staying. The thugs can go."

 

That sentiment was echoed repeatedly throughout the community Monday.

 

Bates, who was married to Cincinnati Public Schools board member Melanie Bates, was shot on his front porch at 12:55 a.m. Sunday.

 

Cincinnati police Sgt. Gary Conner said no arrests are imminent. "At this point, we're following up on leads and ruling names out," he said.

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060829/NEWS01/608290328/1077/NEWS01

 

<i>It's sh!t like this that chases the upper and middle class from the city neighborhoods. If this keeps up those amazing homes will be chopped into apartments and yet another hood down the tubes. If you have doubts, drive on Harrison near Werk Rd. - thats North Avondale's future and it sucks.</i>

 

<b>Crime migrating outwards</b>

 

BY DAN KLEPAL | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

NORTH AVONDALE - In this neighborhood where Philip Bates was shot in his yard and died on his front porch, small-time crime has hit the big time - up nearly tenfold in one year, according to Cincinnati police statistics.

 

It is so bad that a woman and her two children were held up at gunpoint as they walked home from a candlelight vigil for Bates on Monday night.

 

The Bates killing, along with the mugging, have residents here angry and demanding action from City Council.

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060902/NEWS01/609020355/1077

my roommates parents' were with this man the night he got killed.  such a sad story and that street has incredible houses.  not something youd expect to see.  so sad.

If it's not a through street, i would gate the community.

If it's not a through street, i would gate the community.

Which might be okay for this particular community but what about everybody else?

Thomas said he'll ask city administrators to find money - perhaps up to $100,000 - to fund a task force that will crack down on criminals throughout District 4. The task force would be similar to the one in Over-the-Rhine, which led to 1,080 arrests in 28 days.

My understanding was that this is already underway (Operation Vortex I think)?  Does Thomas not know this?  Will it do any lasting good?  Thomas' committee has done nothing (not quite true, they have upped the penalty on simple marijuana possession with the promise that it will get criminals off the street, that seems to be going quite well :roll:) while the city has eliminated dedicated neighborhood officers (dedicated in the sense that this was their only job) and seemingly forgotten about surveillance cameras, among other things.  Would either of these have saved Phillip Bates?  Probably not but a comprehensive approach with some proven methodology, any proven methodology, will, in my opinion, do better than reacting to whatever community is yelling the loudest by sending in the troops.  That's a short term fix at best and we can and must do better.  No amount of police can do for a community what a healthy community does for itself.

First step, get rid of Cecil Thomas.....

 

I think Thomas also tightened up the rules on teen dances & has tried to get stairways closed down.

When I hear him speak, I wonder how many times he has been hit in the head.

From the 9/2/06 Kentucky Post:

 

 

Heroin overdoses on the rise

Officials fear spread of lethal new mix

By Shelly Whitehead

Post staff reporter

 

Heroin is becoming a much deadlier problem in Greater Cincinnati, with overdoses skyrocketing and a more lethal combination drug making the rounds, officials say.

 

The problem is hitting communities across the region:

 

In Covington, paramedics say their number of heroin overdose calls in the past six months have climbed from about two a month to nine per week.

 

 

ABOUT THE DRUG

-- Fentanyl-laced heroin is suspected in hundreds of deaths nationwide this year.

-- Fentanyl was first introduced as a prescription painkiller 40 years ago.

-- Authorities believe the fentanyl mixed in street heroin is being produced illegally by clandestine labs.

 

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060902/NEWS02/609020327/1010/RSS01

 

Have you been a Cincinnati crime victim?

 

If you've been the victim of a crime in the city of Cincinnati, please email [email protected] or call (513) 768-8366

 

You must be willing to share your name.

 

If you email us, please provide a contact phone number, as well as age, neighborhood, and occupation, and details of the crime.

 

 

Thank you.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS01/309060020

 

^This is re-frikin-diculous!!!!!!!!!  When is the Enquirer gonna get off of Cincy's back for every damn thing!  Some good press once in a while would be nice.

We should just point them to the Butler/Warren County crime thread...

I'll send them a link!

Here we go, some bold statements from the chief:

 

Streicher: Cincy a safe city

BY DAN KLEPAL | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

September 6, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - A majority of Cincinnati city council stood behind Mayor Mark Mallory and Police Chief Tom Streicher at a press conference Wednesday, saying that they will do everything in their power to reduce the amount of violent crime in the city.

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS01/309060026

That's because Cincinnati's crime is so concentrated to certain areas (compared to other cities). Overall...yeah it's not that bad at all. When they say more cocain has been confinscated this year than in the entire history of the city, are they refering to every year added up together? Because if they're just refering to it being higher than previous years individually, that statement isn't very relevant to the over-all picture. Sorry to sound like a pessimist I just don't think a lot of what they say is relevant. 59 homicides this year could easily add up to 79 by the end. We have almost 4 months to beat last years record.

 

I like the idea of police on bikes. I think that makes a big difference. Most of those officers look like they could definitely use the exercise anyway.

Crime is down 38% in my neighborhood this year over last year.

59 homicides this year could easily add up to 79 by the end. We have almost 4 months to beat last years record.

 

So far the 59 homicides averages out to about 7 per month....should that average hold up the final # of homicides would be: 87........however, winter months are typically calmer months in terms of homicides and other serious crimes.  I would think that the final # will be about even, probably even lower than last year.  I think this announcement is LONG overdue.  The local media has been beating the city's image, without mercy, for some time now.

The point is that crime is a whole lot more than just homicides.  Homicides edging up while other serious crimes decline is a net benefit to the community.  Obviously, every homicide is a tragedy, and hopefully that will go down as well.  But there's nothing wrong with highlighting the drop in the whole serious crime category.

Randy did you get this email too? Heh.

 

From: "Hand, Greg \(handgl\)" <[email protected]> Add To Address Book | This is Spam

Subject: Police Increase Patrols, Seek Assistance In Area Robberies

 

 

September 6, 2006

 

To the University of Cincinnati Community

 

From: Eugene R. Ferrara

Director of Public Safety

 

The Cincinnati Police have recently received reports of street robberies

in the Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairview neighborhoods.

The primary suspect in a couple of these crimes has been described as a

male black, lighter complexion, 16 to 20 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches

to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 lbs.  In at least

one other case, there were two male blacks, age in the mid-20's, 5 feet

9 inches to 6 feet in height, medium build and dressed in dark clothing

and wearing black baseball type hats.

 

If you have any information regarding these crimes, please notify either

the Cincinnati Police at 352-3578, or Crime Stoppers at 352-3040.

 

The Cincinnati Police and University of Cincinnati Police have increased

patrol efforts in these neighborhoods to address this problem.  In fact,

at approximately 2:30 AM this morning an undercover police unit of two

UC police officers observed suspicious activity of two male blacks who

were walking along Clifton Ave. looking into automobiles parked on the

street.  The UC Officers saw the subjects enter a house in the 2800

block of Clifton Ave. and notified the Cincinnati Police who responded

and arrested the two males for burglary.  It is unknown at this time if

these individuals are involved in the robberies.

 

Both the Cincinnati Police and UC Police are implementing an awareness

program during the weekend of September 14, 15 and 16 when most UC

students will have moved into their residences preparing for the opening

of classes on September 20.  This program will include distribution of

safety tips, increased patrol, and some undercover surveillance

activities.  If you notice any suspicious activities on or around campus

please notify the police immediately.

 

Does UC have a student organization for citizens on patrol? That would be fun to join.

GOOD f$&kING DEAL:

 

 

PHOTO: Jerry Iles (left) and Steve Iles, younger brother and son of shooting victim Charles Iles, hope Judge Ethna Cooper sentences Otis Cook to the maximum allowable penalty. The Enquirer / Craig Ruttle

 

PHOTO: Otis Clark, 18, could serve up to 49 years for shooting an East Price Hill man during a burglary last Halloween. THE ENQUIRER / CRAIG RUTTLE

 

Halloween crime may cost teen 49 years

E. Price Hill shooting victim still in nursing home

BY SHARON COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

The second of three teenagers accused in the shooting of an elderly East Price Hill man during a burglary Halloween night was convicted Monday.

 

Otis Clark, 18, faces up to 49 years in prison when he's sentenced Oct. 5 on charges of attempted murder, two charges of aggravated burglary and two charges of felonious assault for shooting Charles Iles in his Terry Street home last Oct. 31.

 

Clark pleaded no contest to the charges in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

 

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS01/609060374/1056/rss02

 

Safe? Crime victims scoff

Streicher says murder rate is lower than elsewhere

 

BY DAN KLEPAL AND JENNIFER MROZOWSKI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITERS

 

NORTH AVONDALE - In Melanie Bates' first public comments since her husband, Phil, was shot and killed on their front porch here, the Cincinnati School Board member will tell Cincinnati City Council today that she plans to ask community members to put unrelenting pressure on them to crack down on violent crime.

 

Bates will tell council that it's up to the city's leadership to keep people safe. She said she thinks the detectives handling her case have done a good job, but criticized city and police leadership. She will also hold a news conference on the steps of City Hall after speaking to council - one day after Police Chief Tom Streicher called Cincinnati "one of the safest cities in America."

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/NEWS01/609070333

Randy did you get this email too? Heh.

 

Does UC have a student organization for citizens on patrol? That would be fun to join.

 

No, I typically just delete those chain emails I get from the university.  I am not sure about a UC citizens on patrol, but I do know around winter break (i think) students do colaborate with the police in making sure that people take the correct measures in staying safe (lock doors, hide valuables, etc).

 

This is a thing where you go door to door in the neighborhoods around UC and inform people.  I didn't have a chance to do it last year (work), but I will plan on doing it this year (schedule permitting).

My response to the Enquirer's forum question "Do you feel safe"?:

 

"Here is some data that a competent newspaper would provide its readers when a police cheif claims his city is relatively safer than other cities:

 

FBI 2005 Homicide Statistics

Cincinnati- 79

Cleveland- 109

Columbus, OH- 102

Charlotte, NC- 85

Chicago- 447

Detroit- 359

Indianapolis- 108

Lexington, KY- 15

Louisville, KY- 55

Pittsburg- 63

Source:http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/2005preliminary/05table4.htm

 

Because of the space limitation, I just included the homicide stats but there's more stats at that link. Obviously Cincinnati can do better but crime is not what the local media would have people believe. The numbers need to come down but as you can see Chief Streicher's comments are fairly accurate. The city is safer than most other cities."

^Thats great!  Here is what I posted:

 

"I currently live in Green Twp, but I attend UC and I am in the city on a very regular basis. I feel that the city has gotten an unfair shake, from the local media, for some time now. It may not be the safest city in America, but it certainly is not as bad as portrayed. Travling to other cities has made me realize how good we have it here. ie Panhandling here is nothing compared to many other cities, but our media has made it out to be a menace. FYI, businesses open/close all of the time (not just downtown), to say that businesses don't want to risk it is ridiculous (see Fountian Square District, numerous condo projects, & new Main St businesses."

Everyone is sooo quick to bitch and complain/criticize, but no one is willing to step forward with a solution, or offer to help the problem. Everyone keeps calling on city council to do more! But, what else is it that council can do? They have increased patrols, starting Vortex, increased citizen patrol, arrival of Guardian Angels (I know not all are due to councils actions, but I mean you can only throw soo much $ and legislation at a problem, after a while the citizens need to take action!

 

I would bet that most of these people (who marched down to City Hall) also don't get involved with volunteer efforts that are meant to reduce someones dependence on crime to sustain everyday life. IMO, these people are more so part of the problem than the solution!!!!!!!!

 

Citizens fed up with crime

Dozens jam City Hall, chastise city's leaders

BY DAN KLEPAL AND JENNIFER MROZOWSKI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITERS

September 8, 2006

 

CINCINNATI - Members of the public crammed together, shoulder to shoulder, in Cincinnati City Council chambers and the balcony Thursday to deliver a simple message to the city's political leadership: We don't feel safe.

 

Council members and Mayor Mark Mallory listened to scores of speakers for more than an hour before the start of the City Council meeting - the majority of whom talked about violence and crime, which they perceive to be out of control.

 

By far, the most emotional speakers were Melanie Bates and several of her family members. Bates' husband, Phil, was shot to death on his North Avondale front porch Aug. 27 after returning home from a memorial for another shooting victim.

 

 

E-mail [email protected] or [email protected]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS01/609080381/1077

I would bet that most of these people (who marched down to City Hall) also don't get involved with volunteer efforts that are meant to reduce someones dependence on crime to sustain everyday life.  IMO, these people are more so part of the problem than the solution!!!!!!!!

 

I disagree with this.  I agree that volunteer efforts are an important part of the solution but I don't think that people who don't participate are necessarily a part of the problem.  I think everybody deserves to be safe.  Obviously that's impossible in a city the size of Cincinnati.  Shit happens and the chief is right, we are a pretty safe city for the majority of citizens, all things considered.

But.... whoever came up with the idea of holding a press conference to say that we're safe after one of the few homicides that was not drug related is an idiot.  The lack of jail space isn't a new issue.  It's an issue but even if we get a new jail tomorrow, there is more to it than that.  Vortex is okay but this is a zero sum game.  When you add 30 officers to District 3 you take 30 officers from Districts 1 (not likely), 2, 4, and 5.  At the same time you're pushing the crime into these districts.  It doesn't take a police chief to see that this is going to cause problems.  Perhaps some, oh, I don't know, planning for this might be appropriate?  Now Phillip Bates is dead.  Anybody want to guess if Avondale sees Vortex and additional officers?  Any chance crime in Avondale goes down and crime somewhere else goes up, that neighborhood raises a stink and officers are shifted there?  And so on ad infinitum....

Here's where I agree with UncleRando in that I think the volunteer efforts (Citizens on Patrol, CPOP, block watches, etc.) are critical in raising awareness of this shift and rising crime on our communities and that people would be well served to help with these efforts.  However, I would add that these shifts are a directly foreseeable result of CPD's efforts to target crime in specific areas.  Citizens in general have almost zero influence on CPD's policies.  Not to sound like a one note johnny or anything but the group that should be dealing with this in the Law and Public Safety committee and their chair, Cecil Thomas.

Worst.  Councilperson.  Ever.  And no amount of "no, really, you're safe" press conferences can change that.

Cheers,

h

PS - man do I love bold text  :wink:

That's a very bold statement ;]

I would bet that most of these people (who marched down to City Hall) also don't get involved with volunteer efforts that are meant to reduce someones dependence on crime to sustain everyday life.  IMO, these people are more so part of the problem than the solution!!!!!!!!

 

I disagree with this - I think most of these folks are the ones who do care - they actually took time out of their day to talk to the council and try to motivate all of us to do something about crime.  I do agree with the chief's comments but they were really ill-timed.  Hopefully in the end some good will come of this...

Yeah, I've gotta say, someone who obeys the law, pays his taxes and doesn't make trouble - that guy ain't part of any problem.  There are others who may do more for their community than he does, but I would reject the notion that this guy's not doing his part.

 

Notice how nobody's talking about what they mean by "crime."  To some people, it means as little as black people standing on the sidewalk.  To others, it means only assault, robbery, or worse.

 

Citizens fed up with crime

Dozens jam City Hall, chastise city's leaders

 

Yes, because relatives of murder victims are the most likely to see things objectively.  :roll:

Notice how nobody's talking about what they mean by "crime."  To some people, it means as little as black people standing on the sidewalk.  To others, it means only assault, robbery, or worse.

I overheard someone in a crowd say "I felt really safe, nobody asked me for money"

Apparently people feel endangered by people asking for money ?

I don't think most people feel endangered by it, it's just annoying after being asked so many times. Last time I went to the library downtown they were closed so all I did was walk from court street, to the main entrance, then back and got asked a total of 3 times. I also don't like the fact that they come up to me at redlights like McMicken and MLK either from the check cashing place to the right or the 28 dollar hotel to the left... if it's a dude coming up to your car then it looks like a drug deal, if its a woman then it looks like you're buying a prostitute. It's just more depressing and annoying than anything else.

This is probably as good as it gets for local media.

 

Criminologist Backs Streicher's Stance On Cincinnati's Safety

Reported by: Bill Price

Web produced by: Laura Hornsby

Photographed by: 9News

First posted: 9/8/2006 5:30:23 PM

 

Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher is getting new support Friday for calling Cincinnati one of the midwest's safer cities, even if some FBI statistics appear to say otherwise.

 

Dr. Mark Marsokis, a criminologist at Northern Kentucky University, says Cincinnati police and the city may not be properly portrayed, in public perceptions or in crime statistics.

 

Marsokis says he believes Chief Streicher was right this week when the chief said that statistically Louisville and Cincinnati run neck-and-neck when it comes to safe cities.

 

 

http://www.wcpo.com/news/2006/local/09/08/crime.html

Marsokis says that the more often residents see police on the street, actively enforcing the law, the safer they feel in their communities over time.

 

I would be curious whether this is just his feeling or if he has a source for this.  In my experience police presence has no effect on how safe (or unsafe) I feel and many other factors (lighting, activity, vacant buildings, etc.) have much more impact.  In fact I would go so far as to say that the places I feel safest almost uniformly have no police presence, it just isn't necessary.

Marsokis says that the more often residents see police on the street, actively enforcing the law, the safer they feel in their communities over time.

 

I would be curious whether this is just his feeling or if he has a source for this.  In my experience police presence has no effect on how safe (or unsafe) I feel and many other factors (lighting, activity, vacant buildings, etc.) have much more impact.  In fact I would go so far as to say that the places I feel safest almost uniformly have no police presence, it just isn't necessary.

 

I sometimes wonder if it backfires.  I've heard people say "They  need to have police patrolling the area, so it must not be safe."   

I sometimes wonder if it backfires. I've heard people say "They need to have police patrolling the area, so it must not be safe."

 

Seriously true. How many times have you walked into a Kroger that has a security guard and wondered "Why?" Especially if it is not in a so-called "bad" neighborhood.

 

---

From the 9/12/06 Enquirer:

 

 

Avondale crime hearing tonight

THE ENQUIRER

 

Cincinnati City Council's Law and public Safety Committee will meet tonight in Avondale amid concerns about the city's crime rate.

 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Hirsch Recreation center, 3630 Reading Road.

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/NEWS01/399990019/-1/rss