Cleves appoints part-time police investigator and advances steps to restore local law enforcement authority

The Village of Cleves council unanimously adopted Ordinance 15-2025 to appoint Christopher Massminister as a part-time police investigator and declared the action an emergency so the appointment could take effect immediately. Council also adopted a resolution endorsing the county final 9-1-1 plan to formalize which agencies respond to emergency calls.

Justin, the village administrator, told council that Massminister brings roughly 30 years of law-enforcement experience and currently works at Cincinnati State. Justin said the investigator “maintains all of the police powers of any police officer in the state of Ohio” but that “his scope will be narrow and focused to enforce quality-of-life issues and…mortgage violations” rather than daily patrol functions.

The administration emphasized that the Hampton County (as recorded in the meeting) sheriff’s office will retain routine patrol duties. The investigator role, officials said, is designed for after-the-fact investigations of ordinance violations, nuisance complaints and other matters that can be addressed through the reinstated mayor’s court.

Council asked about hours and budget. Justin said the position is expected to range from about 8 to 16 hours per week and that the administration budgeted for the role; he said staff will monitor hours and costs. The council carried the emergency suspension and adoption votes by roll call; recorded votes show a 5–0 result on the ordinance appointment and the related procedural motions.

The council also voted to adopt Hampton County’s final 9-1-1 plan (resolution 9-2025) by a 5–0 vote; administration said the plan designates which police, fire and EMS agencies answer emergency calls and is a required step in local 9-1-1 coordination.

In his mayoral and administrative remarks the village mayor and Justin described remaining steps to fully restore local policing capabilities, including regaining access to statewide law-enforcement systems (RCIC and LEADS), acquiring a reports-management system and completing mandated training for marshals and chiefs. Officials said those technical and training steps are prerequisites to running a mayor’s court and sustaining local enforcement operations.