Highway Patrol Surge Initiative to Fight Crime in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) today made a statement following the Surge Initiative announcement in Cleveland to combat crime.

“Temporary increased policing only deals with the symptoms of a failing system, not the cause. There will be no change in crime until we can address the systemic issues,” said Rep. Brent. “Crime in Cleveland will not decrease until social deterrents of racism, which is a public health crisis (Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, 133rd GA), are dismantled. Every child deserves to live and grow in a safe community, which starts by investing in those communities.” 

If Ohio wants to address crime in Cleveland, the following will need to be addressed:

• pipeline to increase the number of mental health specialists
• increase livable wage jobs (HB 96)
• equitable public transit funding, paid family leave
• increase wrap-around service at schools and places of employment
• a real plan to end houselessness
• removing problematic gun laws
• increase family poverty level for public-funded childcare
• bail reform
• foster care reform
• incentives for banks to underwrite loans for homes less than $100,000