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Law enforcement leaders from the city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the State of Ohio say a renewed and more structured partnership is showing early progress. This progress is in reducing crime in the downtown area, contributing to downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
In a recent press briefing, the officials said that overall crime reports in downtown Cincinnati have tripled compared to 2021, including low-level offenses such as theft, but recent efforts are beginning to make a difference, particularly focusing on downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
Crime data
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey reveals that in a recent 15-day window, authorities recorded seven misdemeanor arrests, eight felony arrests, eight drug recoveries, three stolen-vehicle recoveries, and six firearms seized. These actions are part of ongoing efforts toward downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
The guns in question were reportedly carried illegally.
“And those are guns that we are legally able to seize because people are carrying them illegally and we understand what gun violence will do to our city and our county, and we want to prevent that gun violence, and this is one of the strategies that we have to do this,” McGuffey said.
Referring to the recovered drugs, McGuffey noted that her team has focused heavily on monitoring alleys and other concealed areas of the city where drug use and drug sales often occur, aiming to assist in downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
According to her, these locations can attract people who use drugs, sell drugs, and aggressively panhandle residents. She said this contributes to public fear. McGuffey emphasized that the department is actively addressing these issues. They have done so successfully.
McGuffey emphasized the depth of the collaboration. Deputies, city police, and Ohio State Patrol troopers are working together around the clock. They have more communication and full-time staffing. This eliminates the need to rely on overtime.
A collaborative strategy
Moreover, the county sheriff noted that their joint strategy not only enforces law and order but also supports community-focused programs. These programs target youth, people experiencing homelessness, and those struggling with addiction. These efforts are essential for successful downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
“The beauty of this partnership is actually the flexibility of what we have and what we can do. So, our deputies have been down in this arena for the past 15 days. In these 15 days, in collaboration with law enforcement, I want to point out to you, very importantly, we have given out almost 200 warnings,” McGuffey said.
“We are creating a model. A model of collaboration that quite frankly will be for the state and certainly the nation, as police agencies struggle with recruitment, as we struggle with having the numbers of people that we would like to have boots on the ground to support these efforts, we’re struggling in that arena and we know it,” she added.
McGuffey said the partnership strengthens every agency involved. Moreover, it acts as a force multiplier.
She explained that the model is designed for long-term success, noting that as each agency grows stronger and recruitment improves, which she believes will happen across the board, they will gain more standalone capability.
When that happens, she said, the agencies will shift toward operating independently.
More proof of efforts
Ohio State Patrol Colonel Charles Jones, who was also in the media conference, pointed to a particularly striking arrest on November 3. A 13-year-old was taken into custody for driving a stolen vehicle after a dangerous pursuit, exemplifying successful downtown Cincinnati crime reduction efforts.
That operation, he said, was made possible by coordination between ground units and the patrol’s aviation (air) team.
Furthermore, the officials also acknowledged that obstacles remain within the justice system. Some arrests result in quick releases. Additionally, deputies embedded in the courthouse say better information sharing is needed.
To address that, they’re tightening processes and ensuring follow-through.
Looking ahead, law enforcement leaders are planning an “Amnesty Day” for people with minor misdemeanor warrants older than 10 years.
The goal: encourage people to come forward, clear their records, and move on without the burden of fines or jail time.
McGuffey described the overall crime-fighting strategy as “robust and effective,” saying the partnership’s renewed focus should help make the city—and especially its urban core—feel safer for residents and businesses alike, supporting downtown Cincinnati crime reduction.
Also read:
“Where Are All the Police?”: Cincinnati’s Public Safety Strategy Going Into 2026
