Hamilton County leaders hold town hall to address public safety and crime

In the wake of two shootings downtown the previous evening, the Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police convened its second “Partnering for Public Safety” town hall on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Corinthian Baptist Church in Bond Hill. The event — part of an ongoing series — drew residents, city leaders, law enforcement leaders, and jurists to discuss possible solutions to crime and systemic challenges across the county.

The discussion began as citizens filled the pews and lined up to address a panel composed of seven police chiefs and two judges. The forum’s purpose was framed as a listening session: to hear from the public, and to explore what local officials might do differently going forward. Former U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker moderated the panel.
“There have been some issues involving safety in the criminal justice system here in Hamilton County that have extended for years, sometimes dozens of years or more,” said Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police. President Tim Holloway early in the program. “We have all watched it, and, quite frankly, we in the criminal justice system … haven’t done enough to fix those problems.”

Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun, speaking from the panel, stated that the chiefs and judges came “to hear from people about how they can better serve and protect the community.” Much of the conversation centered on department diversity, funding for non-policing services, and how police agencies can partner more effectively with community programs to reduce crime.

One of the most discussed points of tension was the absence of Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge. Many attendees had expected her presence given the high level of interest in city violence and youth crime. Holloway acknowledged a scheduling conflict: Chief Theetge had traveled to a national chiefs conference. He apologized for the oversight, admitting, “We did not check with her before we scheduled this. She already had plans to go to the Major Chiefs Conference.”

Still, some in the audience were visibly disappointed. The expectation that the chief would engage directly with residents reflected a desire to hear from those at the helm of the city’s policing efforts.

During the nearly two-and-a-half-hour session, attendees offered testimony, asked questions, and presented proposals. A recurring theme was investment in preventive and supportive services—programs addressing youth mental health, after-school opportunities, and intervention before arrests. Some also urged transparency about how decisions are made in the courts and how police can avoid contributing to cycles of incarceration.

Erica Farris, founder of the Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative, told the panel, “All children that have a parent incarcerated are suffering from some sort of trauma.” She affirmed that even if immediate solutions aren’t reached, the forum facilitated dialogues that might not otherwise occur.

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney said this type of town hall is needed for residents to get immediate feedback, clarification, and information from officials on topics of importance. “Everyone learned something – not just the audience but the panelists, as well.”

At the close of the evening, the chiefs’ association reaffirmed commitment to continuing the town hall series across Hamilton County. Officials said insights gathered would help guide future sessions and initiatives, with particular attention paid to neighborhoods significantly impacted by crime. The next forum is expected to occur in early 2026.