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A surge in shootings on Elm Street, just north of Findlay Market, has prompted Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie to take aggressive steps to curb crime in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
For the record, seven people were shot in November outside the club Privee, including three in the most recent early-Sunday incident.
Chief Hennie pushes visibility and technology
Hennie said the department is increasing foot patrols, expanding technology use, and boosting visibility to help break what he calls the “cycle of violence.”
WLWT reported that he emphasized that officers must be physically present on the street and supported by real-time tools.
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Walking the block with transparency, new resources deployed
During an exclusive interview with WLWT’s Danielle Dindak, Hennie walked the Elm Street corridor and openly acknowledged residents’ and business owners’ growing concerns.
He said the department is shifting into a fully proactive posture to stabilize the area.
Beginning Wednesday, the department added lighting, officers, and multiple mobile safety assets to the block. Hennie said these upgrades do not require additional city spending.
A Mobile Command Center was deployed to serve as a flexible on-site operations hub during the crackdown.
On-Duty SWAT and expanded oversight
Hennie recently launched a full-time On-Duty SWAT Team to respond to escalating gun violence. The unit brings specialized tactical training and equipment to help protect officers and residents in high-risk areas.
Lighting, cameras, and real-time monitoring
A new light tower now illuminates the block at night. A camera tower also streams live footage to the city’s crime center, where officers can monitor activity 24/7. Drone support has also been expanded, giving officers rapid aerial surveillance when needed.
A long-term push for stability
Hennie said the department is committed to sustained intervention. If current strategies do not work, he plans to implement new ideas. But he remains confident that meaningful change is achievable and that the neighborhood can recover from the violent streak.
CPD statement
On Monday, the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) released a statement to FOX19, stating about boosting visible patrols, detailing its high-tech enforcement efforts, and engaging the community as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat violence in North OTR.
Here’s the copy of the statement:
“Residents and visitors to the north OTR area should expect to see a highly visible increase in police presence nearby. It is our goal for people frequenting this area and all areas of our city – to feel safe and to be safe. CPD aggressively pursues arrest of violent offenders, through the continued efforts of our Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), our Place-Based Investigations of Violent Territories (PIVOT), our District Violent Crimes Squads, and our uniformed police officers patrolling our streets each and every day. CPD leaders are communicating with area residents and businesses to discuss concerns and to collaborate regarding the best solutions for our community. This current increase in police visibility is only one of many steps we anticipate taking to improve community safety here.”
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