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Mt. Healthy police report: crashes down but chiefs frustrated as judges decline meeting on bond practices
Summary
Police Chief Ditisheimer reported traffic crashes remain lower, Part 1 crime levels are similar to last year, and the department applied for federal COPS and public safety grants. He said the Hamilton County judges declined a requested meeting with the Chiefs Association about bond practices, which local chiefs described as a professional but necessary outreach.
Police Chief Ditisheimer told the council on Aug. 19 that traffic crashes in Mount Healthy have trended lower since 2021 and that Part 1 crimes are roughly on par with last year under new reporting processes.
"Traffic crashes are definitely trending lower, and they have since 2021," the chief said, adding that changes to Compton and Perry street configurations were helping slow traffic. He said the department applied for the COPS grant and a public-safety grant and that a grant decision is expected in September.
Chief Ditisheimer recounted recent incidents in the city, including a stabbing at Elizabeth and Compton at about 2 a.m. and a juvenile bicycle injury on Compton Road near LaRosa’s. He said the department met with local schools to coordinate safety plans and planned increased patrols during football games and school start times.
The chief described a larger regional concern: the Hamilton County Chiefs Association drafted a letter inviting county judges to discuss bond practices for violent offenders; the chiefs said the judges declined the invitation citing ethical concerns about appearing partial. "They cited ethical reasons... they don't want to appear," the chief said, adding that chiefs hoped a conversation could identify shared solutions.
Councilmembers expressed sympathy for public safety pressures and said they appreciated coordination with faith-based partners and school officials. The council did not take formal action on the matters discussed; the chief said the chiefs will continue to pursue solutions and meet again next month.
