CINCINNATI — The summer is a time when police departments across Ohio and the country historically see an increase in crime, which is why the Cincinnati Police Department, along with city government officials, are sharing their plans to decrease violence in the community. 

What You Need To Know

  • There were 22 homicides and 94 shootings in Cincinnati in 2022

  • Compared to 14 homicides and 71 shootings up to the same point in 2021

  • Summer typically has a higher crime rate which is why the Cincinnati Police department is putting a plan in place to decrease violence this summer

  • That plan includes $250,000 to go towards officers' overtime, as well as a focus on community and youth engagement 

There already is a 57% increase in homicides in Cincinnati in 2022 compared to 2021 at the same time.

“Cincinnati, we have seen unacceptable instances of gun violence and violent crime across our neighborhoods," Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said.

With 23 more shootings overall in the first three months of the year. Cincinnati Police and the city’s government are cracking down to ensure things are turned around for this summer.

“We have to continue to work together as city leaders, as neighborhood leaders, as advocates and community members to do our part in addressing the root causes of gun violence," Pureval said.

The biggest change is an increase of $250,000 in overtime for officers to keep police presence in the areas that are seeing the most crime.

“As we see crime shift, they will very quickly have to shift their plan," interim Cincinnati police chief Teresa Theetge said. "What the money does is it allows them to have a resource, a pot of money to go to, to continually implement their plan without having to stall it for financial reasons.”

CPD is using data to drive where officers are cracking down, but Theetge said it’s not all about police presence.

“The solution to reduce violence is not just a police problem that we can arrest our way out of," Theetge said. "It is going to take police-community partnerships. If you see something, say something.”

Which is why she encouraged community members to speak up and be engaged. She also wants to see the youth involved in programs such as the cadet program or the children in trauma intervention camp.

“Community-oriented policing at its finest," Theetge said. "I believe we do this, one of the best in the country.”

Community leaders said it's up to everyone to change what’s happening in the city.

“We as a city have to make the commitment," Cincinnati Councilman Scotty Johnson said. "Along with our police, along with city hall, the citizens have to be part of the solution."