Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that more than 500 felony arrests were made in 2025 as part of the state’s targeted effort to reduce violent crime across communities. The milestone, shared by Governor DeWine on behalf of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, highlights the impact of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, a statewide effort focused on reducing violence through data-driven operations, enhanced interagency support, and the strategic targeting of repeat offenders.
Targeting the Most Dangerous Offenders
“The progress Ohio has seen this year is a direct reflection of the dedication of our law enforcement professionals and the effective use of state resources,” said Governor DeWine. “By strategically focusing on high-crime areas and repeat violent offenders, we are systematically ending the cycles of violence that threaten our communities.”
The initiative led to 130 coordinated crime reduction operations in 23 different communities throughout the state. These operations resulted in 521 felony arrests and the seizure of 175 illegally possessed firearms. The core mission of the program is to bolster the efforts of local law enforcement agencies by focusing on repeat violent offenders, the small percentage of individuals responsible for a large portion of violent crime in Ohio.
Communities Across Ohio Saw Targeted Operations
The operations took place in a broad range of cities and towns, including Akron, Bethel Township, Buckeye Lake, Bucyrus, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Georgetown, German Township, Lancaster, Lima, Marion, Middletown, Piqua, Springfield, Toledo, Warren, Wilmington, Youngstown, Zanesville, and Oregon.
These operations were supported by multiple divisions within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, all contributing different areas of expertise to ensure the greatest impact and safety.
Aviation and Intelligence Play Key Roles
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) played a crucial role in the initiative, not only through focused patrols but also by using their Aviation Unit to help track suspects from the air. In a notable example from December, OSHP’s helicopter crew supported Dayton Police in tracking down a 45-year-old suspect who fled a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle. Rather than risking a high-speed chase, the helicopter followed the vehicle safely and guided officers directly to the suspect, who was then arrested.
Multi-Agency Intelligence and Enforcement
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The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) worked closely with local law enforcement to identify high-crime zones where operations could have the greatest impact. Analysts also helped track dangerous fugitives and repeat offenders known for violent behavior.
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The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) stepped up enforcement of alcohol laws, focusing on crimes involving illegal weapons and criminal activity in liquor establishments, particularly in high-crime zones.
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The Ohio Adult Parole Authority (APA) worked to locate parolees who had violated their post-release conditions and conducted unannounced home visits for those considered at high risk of reoffending.
Data-Driven Results Back the Strategy
According to research by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, less than 1% of adults in the state are charged with a violent crime or weapons offense in any given year. However, many of those charged are repeat offenders. In fact, the study revealed that about 70% of individuals arrested for a violent crime from 1974 to 2023 had been arrested more than once, and roughly half of those arrested for weapons violations had been arrested five times or more.
These findings underscore the importance of focusing enforcement efforts on those who pose the most significant threat to public safety.
Learn More About the Initiative
The state offers transparency and accountability through an online platform. To track arrest data, monitor legal outcomes, and stay informed about the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, visit:
publicsafety.ohio.gov/vci
Governor DeWine’s administration continues to emphasize the importance of collaboration, precision, and persistence in ending cycles of violence across Ohio — ensuring that communities remain safer and law enforcement is supported in their mission.
