CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and police chief Dorthy Todd announced on Friday the results of "Operation Clean Sweep," a multiweek effort to remove violent criminals off the street.
As a result of the operation, which was conducted from Feb. 28-March 27, there were 77 people were, and police confiscated five firearms – including two machine guns and recovered a stolen vehicle.
“Public safety, public safety, public safety – residents, workers, and visitors have urged time and again that nothing is more important than the safety of our community. Other initiatives cannot fully develop unless everyone feels safe, which is why my Administration remains committed to doing everything we can to ensure that happens,” said Mayor Bibb. “I am proud of our officers who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our city.”
Individuals arrested during the operation ranged in age from 19 to 65, and have been connected to the following crimes:
- 22 – Felonious assault
- 18 – Arson, abduction, child endangering, grand theft-motor vehicle, federal parole violations, receiving stolen property, and other incidents
- 14 – Domestic violence / strangulation
- 9 – Murder
- 7 – Aggravated robbery / robbery
- 5 – Aggravated burglary / burglary
- 2 – Rape / Gross sexual imposition
Cleveland officials say that this operation led to the highest number of arrests compared to similar Cleveland police-led operations while Mayor Bibb has been in office.
“The Cleveland Division of Police is steadfast in its commitment to combat crime and apprehend those responsible for serious offenses in our community. Our dedicated members, in collaboration with local and federal partners, exemplify our unwavering dedication to fostering a safe environment for the citizens and visitors of Cleveland,” said Chief Todd. “I appreciate the ongoing support of Mayor Bibb and Chief Director Drummond as we strive to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement within our state.”
"Operation Clean Sweep" is one component of Mayor Bibb's RISE Initiative. The initiative was announced in the summer of 2023 to help combat high levels of crime and improve recruitment and retention within the Cleveland Division of Police.
The operation was led by the Cleveland Division of Police, which included the NICE Unit, Criminal Gang Intelligence and Gang Impact Units, District Violence Crime Reduction Teams, Traffic Unit, K-9 Unit, Chopper Unit, Real Time Crime Center, District Vice Unit, Community Service Units, Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering Task Force, Fugitive Unit, Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Narcotics Unit and SWAT Unit.
Additionally, Cleveland police collaborated with various partners including the U.S. Marshals and their Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.