CINCINNATI — Cincinnati police and federal officials designated the neighborhoods of Over-the-Rhine and West End as “high violent crime areas,” authorities announced Monday.
Officers are canvassing the neighborhoods, a spokesperson said, to explain the situation to residents with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Law enforcement officials are passing out a law enforcement advisory in the two neighborhoods “due to the excessive number of shootings and shots fired incidents that have recently occurred,” the advisory explained.
@CincyPD @ATFHQ @DEAHQ @FBI @BenCGlassman in the OTR and West End today to share information about recent crimes and how community members can assist law enforcement in #keepingcincysafe @CincyPD_3523040 or call 1-800-ATF-GUNS pic.twitter.com/lolcYJbm7n
— Cincinnati Police Department (@CincyPD) April 8, 2019
Due to recent crime trends, Over-the-Rhine and West End residents can expect an increase in targeted operations conducted by Cincinnati police and ATF to stop and prevent crime.
The map below details where canvassing efforts will be concentrated:
Cincinnati Police Department
“The purpose of this effort is to be open and transparent with the communities about crime that is occurring in their neighborhoods,” a police spokesperson said, “and asking for their support and partnership to continue to keep these areas safe.”
The agencies will focus on removing illegal drugs, prosecuting gang members, unsolved homicides and armed robberies, police said. They will also be on the lookout for offenders of federal gun laws.
“Violations of federal firearms laws often result in longer sentences and higher fines than state law violations,” the advisory said.
Police are encouraging anyone with tips regarding crimes in the targeted areas to help reduce drug, gang and gun crime by contacting police.
See below for ways to submit an anonymous tip to police or ATF:
- Call Crime Stoppers: 513-352-3040
- Text CINTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637)
- Illegal Firearms Activity: Call ATF at 1-800-283-4867
- Other Criminal Activity: Call ATF at 1-888-283-8477 or email ATFTips@atf.gov
