Cincinnati is truly at a historic crossroads. The city is nonetheless still on the cutting edge in addressing increased national anxiety over violent crime, public safety, and democratic political leadership. The past year has brought national attention to the ongoing discussions over the city’s reputation and how its leaders envision moving forward. There was the ninja vs. dragon brawl that marred a massive family friendly event in Canada with some 150,000 attendees. This encounter has further raised the perception of violence in the urban core. Yet some still claim that crime is on the rise. Contrary to common perceptions, official criminal statistics reveal that violent crime is, in fact, down this year from last year.
This incident wounded two men and alarmed the community because of its brutality. One thing that has drawn a lot of curiosity was the racial dynamics at play. Of the seven people charged over the July brawl, all seven defendants were Black, while the two victims in the brawl were white. This has fueled a conversation about race and crime in Cincinnati. Perhaps more importantly, it shows just how much the narratives surrounding these incidents can impact public perception.
Cincinnati’s police chief, Teresa Theetge, is under the microscope after the melee. She has since been put on paid leave while an investigation into her controversial leadership is conducted. Such an investigation raises troubling first amendment concerns and comes at a huge financial cost to taxpayers – tens of thousands of dollars. These residents are understandably starting to wonder what type of leadership could have crime rising dramatically as a subject of page 1 news.
And, despite these tensions, data tracking the interactions of the Cincinnati Police Department is an encouraging sign. As of September of this year, reported violent crime decreased to 253 offenses, compared to 283 during the first nine months of last year. What does this decline mean? This decline raises critical questions. Second, are perceptions of rising crime justified or are they the product of high-profile events and sensational reporting?
Ryan James is no stranger to Cincinnati politics. As the youngest African American man ever elected to city council and a father of three, he passionately fights for the safety of his community and economic viability. He’s operated a family business on Main Street for the past 40 years. Through his experience, he has developed a rich understanding of how community perceptions can severely affect local businesses. This year’s Oktoberfest event witnessed a notable decline in attendance, which some business owners attribute to fears stemming from perceived rising crime rates.
The recent killing of an FC Cincinnati soccer fan last October sent shockwaves through the community and brought renewed attention to the lack of safety. Recent shootings at Fountain Square, a popular gathering area in the city, have received national attention. These events have further complicated the already complex narrative around safety in Cincinnati.
Public discourse has been influenced by JD Vance, a local resident and politician who made headlines with his remarks regarding the brawl. He said the actors should be sent to jail, further stacking them on the pile of calls for tougher crime-fighting measures. Yet his comments speak to a deeper frustration — the frustrations of residents driven by the justice for residents/public safety meme.
Cincinnati, despite its size, had a uniquely large law enforcement presence. It spends over twice as much on police officers than comparable cities like Pittsburgh or Santa Ana, California. This influx of law enforcement personnel raises questions about resource allocation and community relations amid ongoing investigations and rising tensions.
As Cincinnati prepares for upcoming elections, with all nine available city council seats claimed by Democrat-leaning candidates this month, the political landscape is shifting. Most of the candidates have made community safety and economic revitalization central issues looking ahead. Without a doubt, the outcome of these special elections will help determine how Cincinnati meets its growing needs in the months ahead.