Consulting firm submits Operational Review on City of Columbus Division of Police

City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has released the operational review of the Columbus Division of Police, CPD conducted by Matrix Consulting, as the report is said to have praised CPD for its policies and training, while also finding many areas for improvement and efficiencies.

“We hired an independent third-party consulting firm to conduct an operational review of the Columbus Division of Police through the lens of 21st century policing. Matrix Consulting has worked with our officers, community members and city staff over the last year to develop the report that we are making available to you today,” said Mayor Ginther.

“I look forward to digesting the report more fully and implementing strategies for a stronger Columbus.”

Key findings of the report include:

• Disparities in the perception of policing: While overall perceptions of CPD are very high (80%), the positive perceptions drop significantly among black residents (61%).
• Disparities in the Division: Perceptions of bias and discrimination within CPD vary greatly. 51% of black employees have experienced discrimination. Gender bias and sexual orientation appear to be issues, as well.
• Supervision: While Matrix found policies and training at CPD are excellent, implementation of these policies and procedures is inconsistent.
• Deployment: Matrix suggested ways to improve deployment of officers to assure that appropriate number of officers are on duty at the right time.
• Officer wellness: Matrix found significant room for enhancing officer well-being, including expanding the definition of trauma and continuing to instill a stronger cultural understanding around the need for psychological care.
• Seniority: Special assignments and promotions are based too heavily on seniority instead of merit.

The report will be used by the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission as it prepares its recommendations for Mayor Ginther on policing. Mayor Ginther said he will also form an implementation committee to take on the tasks of carrying out the recommendations in the report and the Safety Commission.

“I am happy to receive this report that gives concrete and impartial data to the operations of our Division of Police,” said Janet Jackson, chair of the Safety Advisory Commission. “It will be valuable data as we craft our recommendations.”

Franklin County Auditor Stinziano sets implementation of Increase Conveyance Fees for Oct. 2019

                         Michael Stinziano

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano has announced that his office is ready to implement the increased conveyance fee of $3 per $1,000 of a property’s sale price, following a vote approving the measure by county commissioners.

The increased fee, which will be processed by the Auditor’s office on all property transfers starting October 7, 2019, will fund projects to increase affordable housing in Franklin County.

“Our office will be ready to work with residents and businesses to implement this change.  We stand ready to answer any questions and look forward to the investment the fee will have to help working families across Franklin County,” Stinziano said.

Conveyance fees are charged whenever a property is sold and contain a mandatory $1 per $1,000 of sale price per state law, plus a permissive fee that is set by county commissioners.

With the vote, that permissive fee has increased to $2 per $1000 sale price, making the total conveyance fee $3.

The Auditor’s office handles approximately 50,000 transfers per year; the fee increase is expected to generate up to $7 million per year.