Share This Article
Article Summary
City Manager Sheryl Long outlined how Cincinnati is spending $5.4 million in new public safety funding aimed at reducing crime and improving neighborhood security. The plan includes investments in security cameras and streetlights, police overtime, license plate readers, and community safety programs. The funding also supports CPD recruitment as well as youth outreach. In addition, it funds improvements at Findlay Market, with some money still unallocated. City leaders say the mix of technology, enforcement, and community initiatives is designed to deter crime. At the same time, it is meant to strengthen residents’ sense of safety across the city.
Public safety funding draws focused attention from Cincinnati leaders.
Funding for this drives new installations, officer overtime and community programs.
City manager Sheryl Long provided a detailed overview of public safety funding in a memo to Mayor Aftab Pureval and Cincinnati City Council on Thursday. In this memo, she outlined how the city is allocating $5.4 million in new spending passed last September.
Long’s plan aims to reduce violent crime and expand safety measures in neighborhoods across Cincinnati. She announced the plan following rising concerns about shootings and other public safety challenges that drew national attention.
In her memo, Long explained that the funding supports a mix of technology upgrades, increased police presence and community-focused efforts, with the goal of deterring crime and strengthening residents’ sense of security.
Public safety funding used to enhance cameras and streetlights
City officials have committed $1.2 million of public safety funding toward improvements to streetlights and security cameras throughout Cincinnati.
According to the memo, the city has ordered 70 new cameras, including 56 replacements for outdated systems managed by the Department of Transportation and Engineering.
Officials said upgrades and installations are scheduled to take place over the next several weeks. Community members in the West End, where two children were fatally shot in separate incidents, have specifically called for better camera coverage around playgrounds and public spaces.
In addition to city funds, Congressman Greg Landsman stated he secured more than $1 million in federal support to expand Cincinnati’s surveillance network, though that funding still requires final approval by the U.S. Senate.
Public safety funding supports increased officer presence and technology
Another $1.2 million of public safety funding has been spent or allocated for police overtime. This funding aims at increasing officer visibility in neighborhoods, according to Long’s memo.
The plan also dedicates roughly $360,000 for new license plate readers citywide. This technology enhances law enforcement’s ability to track vehicles connected to criminal activity.
Long’s memo shows that the Expanded Ambassador Program run by 3CDC will receive $880,000 to increase safety presence in commercial and mixed-use districts.
Another $100,000 has been appropriated for Cincinnati Police Department recruitment efforts, reflecting ongoing challenges in maintaining staffing levels within the department.
Community programs and outreach part of public safety funding
City leaders also directed portions of the public safety funding toward broader community initiatives that officials say could help address underlying drivers of crime.
Improvements at Findlay Market, a historic urban marketplace, and expansion of the city’s drone program are part of the mix. Youth outreach programs are receiving support to engage young residents with positive activities and resources.
Long noted that about $150,000 of the $5.4 million appropriation remains available for future allocations.
Broader context of spending and related city efforts
The public safety funding plan is part of broader debates in Cincinnati over how best to address crime and public wellbeing. Last year, City Council considered spending millions from the General Fund contingency account on police, outreach and technology initiatives. That proposal included millions for police overtime, cameras and drone expansion.
In addition, critics have questioned some recent safety-oriented spending. For example, reporting earlier this year showed that Cincinnati’s youth curfew centers, funded at roughly $380,000, remained unused since opening. This has fueled city council discussion about spending priorities.
Beyond technology and enforcement, Cincinnati also invested $850,000 through its Office of Human Services to support community groups tackling food insecurity and gun violence. The Impact Award grant is designed to establish food resource hubs. It also addresses systemic conditions that correlate with violence, according to city officials.
City Manager Long has emphasized that public safety involves a mix of enforcement, prevention and community building, an approach echoed in the city’s strategic goals for public safety and health.
City leaders frame safety as a shared challenge
Mayor Pureval and other city leaders cited safety concerns as a top priority in recent public discussions. In a November address, Pureval reflected on city priorities and noted the urgency of tackling challenges like violent crime and infrastructure needs. These efforts are part of broader efforts to strengthen Cincinnati.
Council members also debated the best ways to allocate limited funds amid competing demands across departments, including fire services and public works. These discussions underscore the complexity of budgeting for safety. At the same time, they show the need to balance other civic needs.
FAQs
What is public safety funding in Cincinnati?
Public safety funding refers to city money allocated to programs and services that protect residents, including police, fire, emergency response, crime prevention and safety technology.
How much public safety funding did Cincinnati approve?
Cincinnati approved $5.4 million in additional public safety funding in September, on top of its existing safety budget.
What is the money being used for?
The funding supports security cameras, streetlight upgrades, police overtime, license plate readers, community safety ambassadors, CPD recruitment, and youth programs.
Why did the city increase public safety funding?
City leaders cited concerns over shootings, violent crime trends and public pressure for visible safety improvements as reasons for increasing funding.
Who decides how public safety funding is spent?
The Cincinnati City Council approves funding, while the city manager oversees how it is allocated and implemented across departments.
Are police getting most of the funding?
A significant portion goes to police operations and technology. However, funds also support community programs, infrastructure and prevention efforts.
Will public safety funding reduce crime?
City officials say the investments aim to deter crime and improve response times, but results depend on long-term implementation and community cooperation.
Also read:
Cincinnati Public Safety Is Failing: A Lifelong Resident Explains Why
What to know about Cincinnati’s 2025 public safety overhaul: curfews, funding, and lawsuits
