Report on Cincinnati Public Safety Response and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Incident Summary and SDG Context

A public altercation in Cincinnati has prompted a multi-faceted response from city officials, law enforcement, and the justice system. The incident and its repercussions bring into sharp focus several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning public health, social equity, and institutional integrity. This report analyzes the developments through the lens of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Justice System Engagement and the Pursuit of SDG 16

Arrests and Judicial Process

In connection with the incident, four individuals have been arrested and are facing charges. The pursuit of justice for this act of public violence is a core component of SDG 16, which advocates for promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all.

• Dominique Kittle, 37, charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot.
• Montianez Merriweather, 34, facing charges related to the assault.
• Jermaine Matthews, 39, facing charges related to the assault.
• Dekyra Vernon, 24, facing charges related to the assault.

A grand jury is scheduled to hear the case by August 8. Police are actively seeking two additional suspects.

Addressing Health and Inequality in Legal Proceedings (SDG 3 & SDG 10)

The case of Dominique Kittle introduces critical considerations related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). During his arraignment, Mr. Kittle’s attorney informed the court that his client has paranoid schizophrenia. This highlights the need for justice systems to be equipped to handle cases involving individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring that vulnerabilities are considered and that justice is administered equitably, without discrimination based on disability.

Institutional Reform for Safer Communities

In a direct effort to strengthen local governance and security, as outlined in SDG 16, Police Chief Teresa Theetge announced the formation of a new committee. This body, comprising law enforcement officials and judges from the Hamilton County Police Chiefs Association, will be tasked with examining reforms to the justice system to foster a safer Cincinnati. This initiative represents a proactive step towards building more effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Urban Safety and Collaborative Governance (SDG 11 & SDG 17)

Enhancing Public Safety in Urban Spaces

City leadership has outlined immediate actions to enhance public safety and restore a sense of security, directly aligning with SDG 11’s goal to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Mayor Aftab Pureval announced measures to increase police visibility in the downtown urban core.

• Increased deployment of officers on foot patrols.
• Enhanced presence of bike patrols, including a new unit for the Fountain Square area.
• Utilization of squad cars and Segways for comprehensive coverage.

Partnerships for Goal Achievement (SDG 17)

Demonstrating a commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the city has secured support from the state level. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has agreed to dispatch Ohio Highway Patrol troopers to assist with traffic management on highways. This strategic partnership frees up Cincinnati police resources, allowing them to focus on patrol and investigative duties within the city’s urban core, thereby strengthening the overall public safety framework.

Social Dimensions and Human Impact

Health, Well-being, and Gender-Based Violence (SDG 3 & SDG 5)

The incident resulted in significant physical harm, underscoring public health and safety challenges central to SDG 3. Investigators have identified six victims who suffered physical violence. Two individuals required and received hospital treatment for their injuries. The incident also included clear acts of violence against women, a critical concern of SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Video evidence shows one woman being punched and knocked unconscious, while another woman was reportedly punched while attempting to intervene in the brawl. These events highlight the urgent need to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public spaces.

Confronting Racial Division and Inequality (SDG 10)

City leaders have acknowledged the racial dynamics of the altercation and have spoken out against using the event to create division. Mayor Pureval stated, “The racial dynamics of this fight are unavoidable, and some have cynically used the opportunity to divide us along racial lines. That is a choice we must reject.” This stance supports the objective of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which calls for empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race or other status. Reports that racial slurs may have precipitated the violence further emphasize the destructive impact of hate speech and the importance of fostering inclusive and tolerant communities.

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article touches upon physical and mental health. It reports that victims of the brawl required hospital treatment for “non-life-threatening injuries.” Furthermore, it highlights the intersection of the justice system and mental health, as a suspect’s attorney claims his client has “paranoid schizophrenia,” a condition relevant to his actions and legal situation.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal is relevant due to the specific acts of violence against women described in the article. It explicitly states that a man was seen “punching a woman in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, where she remained motionless.” Another woman was also punched. This highlights the vulnerability of women to violence in public spaces.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article points to racial tensions as a core component of the conflict. The mayor acknowledges that “The racial dynamics of this fight are unavoidable,” and an attorney notes the use of “the ‘N word’ multiple times.” This connects the event to broader issues of racial inequality and the potential for such incidents to create social division.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The incident occurred in a city’s “downtown” area, raising concerns about public safety in urban spaces. The city’s response, including plans to increase police visibility on “downtown streets” and in the “urban core,” directly relates to the goal of making cities safe and inclusive for all residents.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the most central SDG to the article. The entire report revolves around a breakdown of peace (the violent brawl) and the subsequent actions of justice institutions (police arrests, court arraignments, judicial proceedings). The article details efforts to combat crime, hold individuals accountable through the legal system, and reform the justice system itself to ensure safety and order.

Specific Targets and Indicators

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Explanation: The article connects to the “promote mental health and well-being” aspect of this target. The attorney’s claim that his client, Dominique Kittle, has “paranoid schizophrenia” introduces mental health as a critical factor within the justice system. It implies a need for institutions to consider and address the mental health conditions of individuals involved in criminal proceedings.
   • Indicator: The article implies the need for indicators such as the prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals in the justice system. The case of Dominique Kittle serves as a specific data point for this issue.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.
   • Explanation: The article provides a clear example of a failure to meet this target. It describes how one woman was punched and “knocked unconscious” and another was punched while trying to intervene in the brawl. These are explicit acts of violence against women in a public space.
   • Indicator: The number of female victims of physical assault in public spaces is a direct indicator. The article identifies two such victims, one of whom was hospitalized and is “actively cooperating with police.”

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

1. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory… practices.
   • Explanation: The article highlights potential inequalities in the justice process and society. The attorney’s statement that the man who “said the ‘N word multiple times’” was not charged, unlike others, questions the equal application of justice. The mayor’s concern that some are using the event to “divide us along racial lines” also points to the challenge of ensuring social cohesion and fighting discrimination.
   • Indicator: An implied indicator is the number of reported hate speech or racially motivated incidents. The attorney’s reference to the use of a racial slur serves as an example of such an incident.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
   • Explanation: The brawl on “Fourth and Elm streets” represents a failure to provide a safe public space. The official response is a direct attempt to address this target. Mayor Pureval states, “We are prioritizing visibility in our urban core in order to not just maintain safety, but to make sure people feel safe when they’re going out.”
   • Indicator: The public’s perception of safety is a key indicator, which the mayor’s statement directly addresses. Another measurable indicator is the level of police presence, as the article mentions plans for more officers on “foot,” “bike patrols,” and in “squad cars.”

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Explanation: The article is a case study of this target, detailing a violent “brawl” involving multiple people being punched and kicked, leading to charges of “felonious assault and aggravated riot.” The entire police and city response is aimed at reducing and preventing such violence.
   • Indicator: The number of victims of physical violence is a direct indicator. The article states police have “identified six people they say were attacked.” The number of arrests for violent crimes is another indicator, with the article naming four suspects who have been arrested.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law… and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Explanation: The article details the functioning of the justice system through arrests, arraignments, bond hearings, and a pending grand jury. The creation of a “committee of law enforcement and judges to look at ways to reform the justice system” is a direct institutional action aimed at strengthening the rule of law and working towards a “safer Cincinnati.”
   • Indicator: The establishment of new committees or task forces to reform the justice system is a tangible indicator of progress. The article explicitly mentions the formation of such a committee by the Hamilton County Police Chiefs Association.
3. Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to prevent violence and combat… crime.
   • Explanation: This target is addressed through the inter-agency cooperation described in the article. The Governor agreed to “send Ohio Highway Patrol troopers to help,” which frees up “Cincinnati police to patrol and investigate in the urban core.” This collaboration between state and city-level institutions is a direct effort to strengthen capacity to combat crime.
   • Indicator: The number of inter-agency partnerships or joint operations to enhance public safety is a relevant indicator. The agreement between the Ohio Governor and Cincinnati’s Mayor is a specific example.

Table of Findings

Source: cincinnati.com