By Okon Ekpenyong and Peaches Calhoun

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, alongside Police Chief Elaine Bryant reported a notable decline in crime statistics for 2024, attributing this success to law enforcement efforts and new community programs focused on violence reduction. Approximately 76% of crime resolutions this year resulted from community support and tips.

Mayor Ginther said that initiatives like Operation Moonlight and enhanced street patrols have improved communication between police and residents. To further support these efforts, the proposed budget includes an additional $1.4 million for police and fire academy training, resulting in 106 new officers sworn in 2024.

Homicide cases significantly dropped to 124 in 2024 from 149 in 2023, with a decrease in gunshot-related homicides from previous years. However, 39 victims were aged 21 and under, a slight rise from 2023. Felony assaults also declined, with 1,188 fewer cases reported, although robbery cases increased to 1,503 this year.

In Zone 3, there has been an uptick in Domestic Violence 911 calls. The collaboration between the CPD and the Nationwide Children’s Center for Family Safety and Healing has enabled advocates to respond to 232 calls in 2024, with few victims indicating they didn’t need further assistance.

Motor vehicle theft has been a national issue for some time. However, in 2024, there was a notable decline, with reported thefts dropping to 5,823, compared to 10,640 in 2023 and 11,020 in 2022. The CPD attributes this decline to regular collaboration with various partners, including juvenile judges, the justice system, and the families of both victims and suspects.

Additionally, Kia and Hyundai, which have topped the list of stolen vehicles, have implemented software updates that have made these vehicles harder to steal, contributing to the overall decline in thefts. The discussion covered crime statistics, including rapes, aggravated assaults, burglaries, and larceny/theft. Pastor Mike Young, Ralph Carter, Malissa Thomas-St. Clair and other community partners are present because this issue is not just local but also a national concern.

The resources and support for families must come from a collective community effort rather than relying on a single individual, as emphasized by the CPD leadership and the Mayor. The city’s Office of Violence Prevention, spearheaded by Rena Shak, is actively engaged in a comprehensive violence reduction program. According to the Mayor, this initiative focuses on uncovering the factors contributing to the alarming crime rates.

By collaborating closely with community partners, the office aims to connect victims and offenders to vital resources that can aid in addressing the root causes of violence and foster healing within the community. Although the number of cases in areas other than homicide has increased, Chief Bryant noted that the department is progressing. The gang enforcement task force executed 507 search warrants, seized 223 firearms, and recovered 17 Glock switches.

Additionally, the Safe Streets task force participated in 31 community events, made 1,814 citizen contacts, and resulted in 66 felony arrests and 13 misdemeanor arrests. During this process, they recovered 39 firearms and 70 stolen vehicles as part of the Safe Streets initiative. These efforts collaborate with the CPD, ATF, OSP, FCSO, and the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Melissa Thomas-St. Clair, the founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, was one of the organizations present during today’s press conference highlighting CPD’s effort to solve cases rapidly.

Melissa leads an organization that collaborates with various partners, including city leaders and agencies, “to build the necessary army and infrastructure needed for our feet-to-the-pavement movement,” according to the organization’s website.

In an interview with the organization, Melissa said that the organization works with individuals who have unsolved crimes, and they connect with the Columbus Division of Police during quarterly meetings. “These meetings provide valuable opportunities for families to interact with the detectives handling their and other cases. Such interactions help families remain engaged in the investigation of their loved ones’ murder cases and gain a better understanding of the investigation process and the forensic aspects involved,” said Melissa.

“This collaboration helps highlight the importance of addressing individual cases and emphasizes the lives of those involved rather than viewing them only as potential criminals. Additionally, it fosters a better relationship between the community and the Chicago Police Department (CPD), which contributes to building stability and reducing crime. This has been one of our most important collaborations.

“Furthermore, faith leader Mike Young from the City of Grace Church in Columbus emphasizes the importance of connecting families with licensed professionals when community support falls short.

He highlighted the church’s commitment to addressing everyday challenges by fostering a safe and supportive environment where youth and their families can access essential resources. However, when these efforts require additional support, the church takes the necessary step of referring families to qualified professionals for further assistance.

“I commend Chief Bryant and Potts for their genuine commitment to the community they serve. Their heartfelt leadership has helped us build bridges instead of walls,” Pastor Young noted.

 As part of the city’s Office of Violence Prevention initiative, collaboration with leaders like Pastor Young and Ralph Carter is essential. In 2024, 18% of homicide cases were linked to domestic violence, underscoring the need for licensed professionals’ intervention. Additionally, 10% were related to drug activities, and 7% to gang violence or robberies. Organizations like “We Are Linden” and “My Project USA” work to address the root causes of these issues.

Ralph Carter, Executive Director of “We Are Linden,” emphasized the importance of better community relations with law enforcement in reducing crime.

“Our aim is to engage various new American communities, especially as increases in domestic and youth violence create complexities within communities. We encourage New American leaders to join our initiatives, and our partnership with the Columbus Police Department shows that youth fear of law enforcement is decreasing. Many communities have a strong sense of pride that may hinder seeking police help. “My approach connects parents through their children, fostering stronger relationships between families and mentors.”.

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