CLEVELAND, Ohio — Law enforcement leaders from the City of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio are eager to get to work.

  • Operation Relentless Pursuit will focus on reducing violent crime by investing $71 million in federal grants
  • The funds will be used to hire up to 400 new police officers, add new task force members, pay overtime, and buy equipment
  • U.S. Attorney General Barr says Cleveland is the 6th most violent city in the country, with a murder rate 4-1/2 times higher than the national average 

This, after U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced Cleveland as one of seven cities for the launch of new initiative: Operation Relentless Pursuit.

“This is not going to be a takeover of our community by law enforcement,” said Justin Herdman, United States attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “This is going to be a focused, intelligence-driven effort, that’s tailored to the unique capabilities of each federal agency up here, as well as our state and local partners. We’re going to pursue, but we’re not going to do so blindly or aimlessly.” 

Operation Relentless Pursuit will target violent crime in the cities by investing $71 million in federal grants for hiring up to 400 new officers, adding new task force officers, paying overtime and benefits, and buying equipment — resources Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams promises to put to good use.

“This is what division of police, our local law enforcement has been asking for over the last couple of years,” said Williams. “I think it puts us where we really need to be to make an impact on violent crime here in Northeast Ohio." 

Barr says Cleveland is the 6th most violent city in the country with a murder rate 4.5 times the national average.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, of Ohio, says progress has been made — with a message to criminals for the new year. 

“If you’re wanted, it would be a good time to turn yourself in, if you’re committing violent crimes, now would be an excellent time to stop, and if either of those two things happen, you are going to be found in 2020,” said Herdman. 

Herdman says the grant process has just begun, but he expects to have an idea of how much money Cleveland will receive in early spring.