CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office is just one of the organizations that have been helping the Cleveland Division of Police combat an increase in crime this summer.
Eight deputies, one sergeant, and two K-9 teams make up the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office's Downtown Safety Patrol that's been operating since Aug. 1.
"This effort in Downtown Cleveland touches everyone. People who live outside the county, or on other sides of the county, their family and friends go downtown whether it's to a sporting event, to go to dinner, to have a good time, to go to the federal building whatever it may be. So people come downtown and they expect a level of safety and we're here to show and support that," Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel said.
So far, the Downtown Safety Patrol has made 371 traffic stops, handing out 129 citations during those stops.
There were 59 situations in which narcotics were seized, most of which were marijuana. In addition, 24 guns have been seized during the operation, with 16 warrant arrests conducted since that Aug. 1 start date.
"So, it was a very palpable feel that there is law enforcement here. The message is out: if you're coming downtown with nonsense, don't bring the nonsense downtown. If you're coming downtown to have a great time, we are going to foster an environment where it's going to be safe," Pretel said.
Because of the success they are seeing, there is no timeline for how long the Downtown Safety Patrol program will continue.
A city spokesperson told 3News in a statement: "We are greatly appreciative for the support Sheriff Pretel and his team have provided in helping keep our downtown neighborhoods safe. This partnership - along with others we have with the State Highway Patrol, US Marshals, and ATF - have produced significant, tangible results. In total, more than 160 felony arrests have been made, over 300 illegal guns have been seized, and several kilograms of dangerous drugs have been removed from our community."
Previous Reporting:
- 59 arrests, 240 guns seized in Cleveland as authorities reveal details of 'summer violent crime reduction initiative'
- Ohio State Highway Patrol: Another 2-day 'surge initiative' operation in Cleveland neighborhoods leads to 42 more felony arrests
- Cuyahoga County Sheriff: Cleveland streets will be patrolled in new safety initiative