Report on Cincinnati Police Department’s New Roving Task Force and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The Cincinnati Police Department has launched a new “roving task force” aimed at proactive, targeted policing of crime hot spots across the city. Police Chief Teresa Theetge emphasized that this initiative prioritizes crime prevention, particularly in urban core neighborhoods, addressing the recent rise in criminal activities.

Task Force Composition and Technology

• The task force consists of 30 dedicated officers.
• Officers are equipped with advanced crime-fighting tools, including remotely-piloted drones.
• Data-driven strategies guide deployment to areas with the highest crime rates.

Context and Rationale

Mayor Aftab Pureval described the situation as an “unacceptable rise in crime,” especially in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. The majority of the police force (approximately 950 officers) are engaged in uniformed patrol responding to 911 calls, but staffing shortages limit their ability to address group criminal activities effectively. The roving task force is designed to fill this gap by being proactive and covert, responding in numbers to deter and prevent crime.

Focus Areas and Crime Trends

Urban Core Neighborhoods

• Special focus on Over-the-Rhine, particularly north of Liberty Street.
• High incidence of burglaries, breaking-and-entering, and thefts from vehicles.
• Youth involvement in property crimes and searches for firearms.

Recent Incidents

• Increased attention following the killing of Patrick Heringer during a burglary.
• Multiple shootings near key locations such as the Shell gas station at Liberty and Walnut Streets.

Historical Context and Operational Strategy

Previous Task Forces

Cincinnati previously operated the “Vortex unit” in the 1990s and 2000s, which conducted sweeps in high-crime areas but was disbanded due to criticism over zero-tolerance policing strategies.

Current Task Force Approach

• Not a return of the Vortex unit but shares some similarities in addressing crime hot spots.
• Greater emphasis on data-driven deployment to maximize effectiveness.
• Success metrics based on reversing the recent uptick in crime.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Enhancing safety in urban neighborhoods supports the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
• Reducing crime contributes to improved quality of life and community well-being.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies by proactively preventing crime.
• Strengthening effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels through data-driven policing.
• Ensuring access to justice and building trust between law enforcement and communities.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Reducing violent crime and property crimes contributes to the physical and mental well-being of residents.
• Creating safer public spaces encourages social cohesion and community engagement.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

Community Calls for Action

• Public demands for proactive policing, especially from victims’ families and local residents.
• The task force responds to these calls by focusing on high-crime corridors and neighborhoods.

Long-Term Development

Police Chief Theetge highlighted the importance of police involvement in supporting the ongoing redevelopment of Over-the-Rhine and surrounding areas. The task force aims to address crime pockets to facilitate sustainable urban development and community revitalization.

Commitment to Progress

“It’s a slow process. It’s slow progress. But it’s absolutely doable,” said Chief Theetge. The police department is committed to supporting safe and sustainable community growth through effective crime prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati Police Department’s new roving task force represents a strategic, data-driven initiative that aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by fostering safer, more resilient communities. Through proactive policing, technological integration, and community engagement, the task force aims to reduce crime and contribute to the sustainable development of Cincinnati’s urban neighborhoods.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses proactive policing in urban neighborhoods to reduce crime and improve safety, which aligns with making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The focus on reducing crime, improving policing strategies, and ensuring public safety directly relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. (Implied through efforts to improve safety in urban core neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine.)
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations. (Implied by the goal to make downtown and neighborhoods safer for residents and visitors.)
2. Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. (Directly connected to the task force’s goal to reduce violent and property crimes.)
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. (Implied through improved policing and justice response.)
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. (Implied by data-driven policing and task force accountability.)

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Crime Rates and Incident Counts
   • Number of burglaries, breaking-and-entering incidents, and thefts from cars in specific neighborhoods (e.g., Downtown, Over-the-Rhine).
   • Number of violent crimes such as shootings and killings.
2. Police Response Metrics
   • Number of police patrols or visits to crime hot spots (e.g., average daily visits to the Shell gas station area).
   • Effectiveness of proactive policing measured by reduction in crime uptick.
3. Community Safety Perception
   • Public calls for proactive policing and community feedback on safety improvements (implied through public demand and official statements).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.yahoo.com