Monday news conference to address crime in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI — Local lawmakers and law enforcement officers will gather together Monday morning to discuss a plan to combat a recent uptick in crime and violence around the city.

Mayor John Cranley will join Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell, Law & Public Safety Chairman Christopher Smitherman and University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono at a 9 a.m. press conference at City Hall to announce the public safety initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.

While specific details about the initiative were not released, a press release from the city indicates the initiative will include measures to “immediately reduce crime” in the area. Speakers will also announce a plan to make strategic long-term investments in our police department, according to the release.

Others attending the press conference include Fraternal Order of Police President Kathy Harrell, Reverend Dock Foster, Dr. Robin Engel and Ozie Davis.

The news of the press conference came on a weekend where the city’s 10th and 11th homicides of 2014 took place.

Two robberies and a shooting were also reported near the UC campus on Sunday. The shooting victim suffered what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Stay with WCPO for coverage of this event.

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