New Western District patrol agreement approved to combine four jurisdictions under sheriff's coverage

Hamilton County commissioners approved a resolution on Sept. 25 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement that places four jurisdictions in a joint Western District policing arrangement with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

The agreement covers Miami Township and the villages of Addision, North Bend and Cleves and funds three 24-hour patrol cars assigned to the Western District. County staff said the contract will generate roughly $3,164,000 in revenue to the county over the contract term. Commissioners said the district-based approach began operating in January and that it has been performing successfully as staff compiled signatures and finalized the contract.

County and municipal leaders and sheriff's office staff credited the multi-jurisdictional model as a cost-effective way to provide continuous patrol coverage while preserving service levels. Administrators said the sheriff's office and municipal partners spent significant time ensuring the districts would not reduce service levels while achieving efficiencies.

Commissioners also said the county is pursuing a similar district approach in the northwest region. The northwest plan would include Crosby and Harrison townships, with a Whitewater township agreement still under negotiation.

Why it matters: The agreement is a notable example of shared services and regional cooperation, reallocating patrol resources across multiple jurisdictions while creating predictable revenue for the county and stable coverage for participating communities.

The resolution authorizing the Western District agreement was approved as part of the consent agenda.