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Police report shows traffic and staffing pressures; chiefs outline generator, staffing and equipment needs
Summary
The Public Safety Committee heard February statistics showing a rise in traffic enforcement and calls for service, discussed staffing shortages and a reorganization to add sergeants, and reviewed capital needs including a backup generator and ambulance repairs. The police chief also flagged a pending state violent-crime grant application.
The North College Hill Public Safety Committee on March 10 received reports from police and fire leadership that highlighted rising calls for service, staffing shortages and equipment needs.
Police: Chief Cheney told the committee the department wrote 126 citations and issued 156 violations in February, up from 67 citations last year; officers logged 926 calls for service in the city during the month. The chief said the department handled 29 mutual-aid calls to neighboring jurisdictions and is pursuing ‘traffic blitz’ operations with county partners to address speeding corridors such as Galbraith and Hamilton avenues.
Cheney said the department is short-staffed and has lost officers to other agencies; he described recruitment work to bring lateral hires and to send new recruits through the academy. Cheney also described a proposed reorganization of supervisory ranks: the department plans to move to a model with two lieutenants and two sergeants so supervisory coverage is consistent across four squads.
On capital needs, Cheney said a reliable backup generator is still under review; he cited a previous $300,000 estimate for a system able to run essential building systems, though final prices will depend on procurement and grant options. The department is pursuing grants and has discussed relief funds to offset generator cost.
Fire and EMS: Acting fire leadership reported 227 incidents for the reporting period and continued maintenance and warranty work on a new ambulance; staff noted the department has specialized defibrillator equipment used to analyze and treat cardiac rhythms.
Public works and other items: Committee members asked about street and alley signage replacement and pothole repair as spring work ramps up. Committee members also discussed vacancy of the public works director role and efforts to advertise on Indeed, LinkedIn and other job boards.
Grant notice: At the end of the meeting a member of the audience said they are preparing a state violent-crime reduction grant application and asked whether the city would be an implementing agency; the requester said the application deadline is March 19.
No formal committee vote was recorded. Committee members requested follow-up on generator procurement options, timelines for filling vacancies and an update on the grant application.
