Cincinnati, Ohio – In a major effort to curb violence and increase community safety in Cincinnati, Governor Mike DeWine announced two strategic partnerships with the Cincinnati Police Department, joining forces with state and federal agencies to combat violent crime. The initiatives bring together high-level intelligence, aerial surveillance, and coordinated law enforcement to target criminal activity in key areas of the city.
Speaking alongside law enforcement leaders in Cincinnati, Governor DeWine emphasized the state’s commitment to deploying proven strategies. “We’ve dispatched this state support to other cities in the past, and we’ve seen great results,” he said. “We are confident that, through this partnership effort, these violent crime reduction initiatives will make a difference in Cincinnati.”
Intelligence-Based Policing and State Support Take Center Stage
At the state level, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will join the Cincinnati Police Department in focused violent crime reduction operations. These efforts will be guided by intelligence collected from Cincinnati’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center, allowing officers to concentrate resources on “hot-spot” areas with high levels of criminal activity.
The OSHP will also deploy its Aviation Unit to provide aerial overwatch for officers on the ground. This unit, which already responds to over 1,000 requests annually across Ohio, will enhance operations with real-time surveillance during suspect searches and vehicle pursuits.
In addition, the Ohio Investigative Unit, which specializes in enforcing alcohol-related laws, will direct its efforts toward cracking down on individuals who illegally carry weapons or commit crimes at liquor establishments in high-crime districts.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge praised the state’s intervention and the long-standing collaboration between her department and Ohio law enforcement. “We are beyond grateful to Governor DeWine for extending vital state resources to the Cincinnati Police Department as we continue the important work of protecting our city,” she said. “Together, we will continue listening to our communities and delivering what they deserve most: the comfort and confidence of safety in every Cincinnati neighborhood.”
Federal Operation Targets City’s Most Dangerous Offenders
On the federal front, the Cincinnati Police Department will formally join the U.S. Marshals’ Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST). This elite task force includes agencies such as the OSHP, the Adult Parole Authority, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Currently, SOFAST is leading “Operation Queen City Justice,” a targeted mission to apprehend violent criminals across Cincinnati. To date, the operation has resulted in the arrests of more than a dozen fugitives, including suspects wanted for crimes such as murder, arson, burglary, and sexual assault.
“The United States Marshals Service, through our fugitive task forces, unites local, state, and federal law enforcement in the common goal to make our community safer,” said Michael Black, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio. “Locating and apprehending those accused of violent crimes provides justice to the victims and their families… and serves as a deterrent for others to not commit similar crimes.”
Unified Commitment to Safer Streets
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich echoed the importance of collaboration. “By working together and sharing resources, we can more effectively hold violent offenders accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe,” she said. “Collaboration across all levels of government is key to building a safer community.”
These joint efforts mark a significant escalation in law enforcement activity designed to remove dangerous individuals from the streets and reassure residents that their safety is a top priority. With both state and federal support, Cincinnati law enforcement officials are hopeful these initiatives will lead to lasting change.
