Crime and Policing in Cincinnati: Are We Any Safer?

Cincinnati has seen an ebb and flow in crime rates over the years, with city officials often touting improvements while many residents remain skeptical. The question remains: are the policies being implemented making the city safer, or are they exacerbating the problems? A closer look at crime statistics, police funding, and law enforcement strategies reveals a complex picture of public safety in the Queen City.

The Crime Data: What Do the Numbers Say?

• Homicides and Violent Crime: Cincinnati saw a decrease in homicides in 2023 compared to the peak in 2021, yet violent crime remains a pressing concern in certain neighborhoods. While police data shows an overall decline, residents in areas like Westwood, Avondale, and Price Hill report continued struggles with gun violence and drug-related crimes.
• Property Crime: Car thefts and burglaries have surged in recent years. The rise in stolen vehicles, particularly Kias and Hyundais, has been attributed to viral social media trends and organized theft rings. In 2024 alone, Cincinnati reported a 37% increase in car thefts, a problem mirrored in other major U.S. cities.
• Drug-Related Crimes: The opioid crisis has not relented, with Hamilton County reporting more than 400 overdose deaths in 2024. Fentanyl remains the primary culprit, often laced into other drugs and contributing to an ongoing public health emergency.

While some crime rates have dropped, others remain persistent, leading to concerns about whether the city’s approach to law enforcement is truly effective.

Policing in Cincinnati: Is the Force Strong Enough?

A significant challenge facing the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) is officer recruitment and retention. Like many cities across the country, Cincinnati has struggled to maintain a fully staffed police force.

• Officer Shortages: CPD has reported vacancies in the hundreds, with many officers opting for early retirement or transferring to suburban departments with better pay and fewer political hurdles. This shortage means fewer officers on patrol, longer response times, and increased pressure on existing personnel.
• Funding and Resources: The city’s 2025 budget allocated an increase in police funding, but not everyone agrees with the spending priorities. While some argue that more officers and better equipment are necessary, others believe the money should be funneled into social services and alternative policing methods.
• Community Policing and Trust: CPD has made efforts to rebuild trust with residents, particularly in Black and low-income communities, after past incidents of police misconduct. However, skepticism remains, and activists continue to push for reforms that emphasize de-escalation tactics and mental health responses over traditional policing.

The Role of Politics in Crime and Policing

Cincinnati’s approach to crime and policing is deeply tied to the political climate. With the city being predominantly Democrat-led, progressive policies have influenced criminal justice initiatives, sometimes sparking controversy.

• Bail Reform and Repeat Offenders: Changes in bail policies were intended to prevent non-violent offenders from languishing in jail due to an inability to pay. However, critics argue that the system is too lenient, allowing repeat offenders back onto the streets too quickly. Some recent high-profile cases involve individuals committing violent crimes while out on low bail.
• Gun Control vs. Criminal Prosecution: Despite calls for stricter gun control, many gun-related crimes involve offenders who were already prohibited from possessing firearms. The debate continues over whether the city should focus on limiting gun access or increasing penalties for those who use firearms in crimes.
• Homelessness and Crime: Encampments have been a growing issue downtown, with some residents linking homelessness to rising property crime. The city’s response—clearing encampments—has been met with backlash from advocacy groups who argue that without increased resources for housing and addiction treatment, the problem will persist.

Are We Any Safer?

The answer depends on who you ask. Officials point to declining homicide rates as proof that policies are working, but residents affected by daily crime remain unconvinced. Business owners downtown complain about theft and vandalism, while suburban areas feel the ripple effects of urban crime spreading outward.

Key Takeaways:
✔ Crime rates have decreased in some categories but remain a serious concern in others, particularly car thefts and drug-related crimes.
✔ CPD faces staffing shortages, impacting response times and proactive policing efforts.
✔ Progressive policies, including bail reform and alternative policing strategies, have mixed results, with critics arguing they enable repeat offenders.
✔ The debate over funding law enforcement vs. investing in social programs continues to divide city leadership and residents.

What’s Next for Cincinnati?

With the 2025 mayoral race heating up and crime remaining a top concern for voters, expect public safety to be a major campaign issue. Whether Cincinnati doubles down on traditional policing or shifts further toward progressive justice reforms will depend on political leadership and community activism.

For now, one thing is clear: safety in Cincinnati remains a work in progress.