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Article Summary
A report by Campaign Zero found that Black residents in Cincinnati were stopped by police at significantly higher rates than white residents based on an analysis of more than 470,000 police stops between 2009 and 2025. City officials and the Cincinnati police union have challenged the study’s methodology and called for an independent review. The findings have renewed discussions about racial disparities, police accountability, and the effectiveness of past reform efforts in Cincinnati.
A new report examining Cincinnati police stop data has reignited discussions about racial equity in law enforcement.
The study, conducted by Campaign Zero and based on Cincinnati Police Department contact card records, found that Black residents were stopped at significantly higher rates than white residents over a period spanning more than a decade.
The findings have drawn scrutiny from city officials and the local police union, which question the study’s methodology and conclusions.
According to reporting by WVXU, the analysis reviewed more than 470,000 police stops recorded between 2009 and 2025. Researchers concluded that Black residents were approximately 3.4 times more likely to be stopped than white residents in 2025. The report also found persistent disparities throughout the study period despite reforms implemented after earlier police-community tensions in Cincinnati.
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Police stop disparities highlighted in report
Campaign Zero researchers said the report relied on official Cincinnati Police Department contact card data obtained through the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. The organization stated that the data showed substantial racial disparities in pedestrian and vehicle stops.
According to the report, Black residents represented a disproportionate share of police stops when compared with the city’s overall population. Researchers argued that the findings warrant additional review of law enforcement practices and decision-making processes.
The study examined several indicators, including:
- Frequency of police stops by race
- Trends across multiple years
- Geographic distribution of stops
- Outcomes following police encounters
Supporters of the report argue that the findings provide evidence that racial disparities remain a concern despite years of reform efforts.
According to WVXU, representatives from the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office said the analysis raises important questions about whether existing policies have fully addressed concerns regarding equitable policing.
City and union challenge police stop disparities findings
City officials and police representatives have pushed back against the report’s conclusions. According to FOX19, Cincinnati leaders questioned whether the methodology adequately accounted for factors that influence police activity, including crime patterns, calls for service, and enforcement priorities.
Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie publicly defended officers while acknowledging the importance of reviewing the findings. Reported by Local 12, Hennie said officers continue to serve the community professionally and deserve a fair assessment of their work.
The Cincinnati police union also challenged the study’s interpretation of the data. Union representatives argued that statistical disparities alone do not establish discriminatory conduct and that additional context is necessary before drawing conclusions about racial bias.
City officials emphasized that they take allegations of discrimination seriously. However, they indicated that independent experts should review the report before policymakers consider any changes based on its findings.
The disagreement highlights a broader national debate over how researchers and law enforcement agencies evaluate racial disparities in policing data.
Independent review planned
Cincinnati officials have called for an independent examination of the report. According to FOX19, City Manager Sheryl Long requested additional review to assess the methodology and determine whether the findings accurately reflect police practices.
The move is intended to provide a neutral assessment of the data and help city leaders understand whether the report’s conclusions are supported by available evidence.
Independent reviews often evaluate:
- Data collection methods
- Statistical assumptions
- Population benchmarks
- External factors affecting enforcement activity
- Consistency with established research standards
Officials have not announced a timeline for completing the review.
The city’s response reflects a cautious approach that seeks to balance concerns raised by community advocates with questions raised by law enforcement representatives.
Historical context shapes discussion
The current debate occurs against the backdrop of Cincinnati’s long history of police reform efforts. The city gained national attention in the early 2000s following community unrest and subsequent agreements designed to improve police-community relations.
Over the past two decades, Cincinnati has implemented multiple reforms intended to strengthen accountability, improve transparency, and increase public trust. Many observers have cited the city’s collaborative agreement process as a model for police reform efforts nationwide.
Nevertheless, concerns about racial disparities in law enforcement continue to surface periodically. Community advocates argue that ongoing evaluation remains necessary to ensure reforms achieve their intended outcomes.
According to the Campaign Zero report, disparities persisted across multiple years despite policy changes and oversight efforts. Critics of the report, however, contend that statistical differences require careful interpretation and may not automatically indicate intentional bias.
The debate reflects differing views regarding how data should be analyzed and what conclusions can reasonably be drawn from observed disparities.
Multiple outlets report on developing issue
Several local media organizations have reported on the controversy surrounding the report and the response from city leaders.
According to coverage by WVXU, researchers emphasized the persistence of racial disparities throughout the study period. Meanwhile, FOX19 reported on the city’s concerns regarding the methodology and the planned independent review.
Local 12 also reported on statements from Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie, who questioned aspects of the report while expressing confidence in the professionalism of Cincinnati police officers.
As the independent review moves forward, city officials, law enforcement representatives, and community advocates are expected to continue examining the findings and their implications.
For now, the report has intensified discussions about transparency, accountability, and the role of data in evaluating modern policing practices.
FAQs
What did the Campaign Zero report find?
The report found that Black residents were stopped by Cincinnati police at higher rates than white residents. Researchers analyzed police contact card data collected between 2009 and 2025 and identified persistent racial disparities in stops.
Why are city officials questioning the report?
City officials and the police union have raised concerns about the methodology used in the study. They argue that factors such as crime trends, calls for service, and enforcement priorities should be considered when interpreting the data.
Who conducted the study?
The study was conducted by Campaign Zero, a national police reform organization. Researchers used Cincinnati Police Department contact card data obtained through the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office.
What happens next?
Cincinnati officials have requested an independent review of the report. The review is expected to examine the study’s methodology and determine whether its conclusions accurately reflect police practices in the city.
