CPD Holds 2nd Crime-Prevention Meeting

COLUMBUS, Ohio—An increased city income tax proposal continued to generate strong opinions.

CPD and the city are asking Columbus voters to approve a half-percent income-tax increase on the special Tuesday, Aug. 4, ballot.

If residents were to vote down the increase, Police Chief Walter Distelzweig said the division will cut its police force by almost 300 officers and will cut back its response to lesser crimes.

The Central Ohio Crime Stoppers unit also could lose its assigned detective without tax passage.

Concerned residents voiced their thoughts and opinions at CPD’s second public crime-prevention meeting Thursday night.

One community leader said it’s already a struggle to stop crimes in local neighborhoods, though.

University Area Commissioner Ian MacConnell remains on high alert after a recent home-burglary spree.

MacConnell thought he had caught a suspect in the act Wednesday and called 911.

“I told them the situation as best as I can while at the same time dealing with a suspected criminal,” MacConnell said.

MacConnell was kicked over to CPD’s nonemergency automated system, though.

“It takes 40 seconds before you’re even given the option to speak to an actual police officer,” he said.

As seconds ticked away, the suspect got away.

MacConnell said he fears the consequences of cutting back on police response to lesser crimes.

“Criminals are going to look at that as an opportunity,” he said.

Here’s what happened at Thursday’s crime-prevention meeting.

“When the lights go out in some of these precincts here, what rights do we have to protect ourselves,” one resident asked.

“I just want to ask, for on behalf of the North End, that we continue the liaison program,” another said.

“As you look about restructuring, Precinct 3 might go away. I ask you: Is there any way we can keep Precinct 3,” a resident asked.

No matter what happens budget-wise, though, Columbus police stressed the importance of area commissions and block watches in crime prevention.

Unlike Wednesday’s heated East Side meeting, CPD leaders told residents the forum’s purpose was to talk about crime prevention, not the city’s income-tax-increase proposal.

CPD CRIME PREVENTION MEETINGS

Chief Walter L. Distelzweig would like your input and has scheduled four community forums. The first was held on the city’s East Side Wednesday evening. The second was held on the city’s North Side Thursday.

The Columbus Division of Police scheduled forums to gather input from the community on issues affecting Columbus neighborhoods.

Citizens were invited to attend, ask questions and provide ideas regarding policing services.

WEST MEETING
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4
Westgate Recreation Center, 455 S. Westgate Ave., Columbus, 43204

SOUTH MEETING
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
Marion Franklin Recreation Center, 2801 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus, 43207
Call 614-645-4593 for additional forum information.

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