A recent analysis by Scholaroo, a website that helps college students with scholarships, has ranked two Ohio cities, Cleveland and Cincinnati, among the nation’s least-safe cities. The study analyzed crime and safety indicators per capita, with metrics such as the number of police officers, murder rate, robberies, assaults, and shootings given a ranking on a 100-point scale. The scores were then used to rank the cities.
Cleveland and Cincinnati’s Rankings
Cleveland is ranked 142nd out of 150 cities, while Cincinnati is ranked 147th. These rankings are not surprising, given the cities’ recent struggles with violence and crime. Cleveland is expected to come close to its record of 195 homicides in a year, which was set four decades ago. Both cities finished in the bottom five for highest rates of robbery, with Cincinnati finishing next to last for the highest rate of house burglaries and last for larceny and theft.
What Measures Are Being Taken to Improve Safety in Cleveland and Cincinnati
To address the issue of safety, Cleveland and Cincinnati have implemented various measures to improve safety in their respective cities. In Cleveland, the city has partnered with Downtown Cleveland Inc. to raise its investment in their safety ambassador program.
Safety ambassadors are citizens trained in de-escalation and security who patrol specific routes and discuss safety concerns with business operators, employees, and residents. They are equipped with walkie-talkies, a first aid kit, and their cellphone, ready to call in police, firefighters, or EMTs at the first sign of emergency.
They also serve as hospitality agents who enjoy talking to people and providing assistance with directions, dining recommendations, or intervening with aggressive panhandling or observing and reporting any suspicious activity.
Downtown Cleveland Inc.’s Clean & Safe Ambassadors also patrol throughout Downtown and are available to assist with issues such as flat tires, car lockouts, safety escorts, directions, mental wellness response/services, and reporting instances of trash and graffiti.
In addition, Cleveland has implemented safety measures related to transportation infrastructure. The city has programs and projects to upgrade transportation infrastructure to improve safety for all those who use the city’s streets, sidewalks, and public right-of-way. Cleveland is also working on safety upgrades for more than 100 rail crossings in 15 Ohio counties, including Summit, Medina, and Lorain.
Cincinnati has also taken measures to improve safety in the city. The city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering has implemented programs and projects to upgrade the city’s transportation infrastructure to improve safety for all those who use the city’s streets, sidewalks, and public right-of-way.
In summary, both Cleveland and Cincinnati have implemented various measures to improve safety in their respective cities. These measures include safety ambassador programs, transportation infrastructure upgrades, and safety upgrades for rail crossings. These efforts aim to enhance safety for all residents, workers, and visitors in the cities.
Conclusion
The recent analysis by Scholaroo highlights the need for Cleveland and Cincinnati to address their safety and crime issues. While the rankings may be disappointing, they provide an opportunity for the cities to reflect on their challenges and work towards solutions. By implementing policy changes, addressing income inequality, and investing in community resources, Cleveland and Cincinnati can strive to improve their safety and quality of life for all residents.