Partnerships Developed Under RISE Initiative Were Key Component to the Four-Week Operation
Friday, April 12, 2024 — Cleveland — Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Chief Director of Public Safety Wayne Drummond, and Police Chief Dorothy Todd announced today the success of another “Operation Clean Sweep” – a multiweek operation throughout the city led by the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP).
“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.”
The operation was conducted from February 28 through March 27, and resulted in the arrest of 77 individuals, the confiscation of five firearms – including two machine guns, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle. CDP partnered with multiple law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to identify, locate, and apprehend numerous individuals identified as top contributors to acts of violence within the City of Cleveland. This was the highest number of arrests compared to similar CDP-led operations since the Bibb Administration took office, with 56 individuals being arrested most recently.
“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.”
Individuals arrested during the operation ranged in age from 19 to 65, and have been connected to various crimes including:
- 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
“The results of ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ are a testament to the hard work of our members and show how Mayor Bibb’s RISE Initiative continues to make a positive impact on the safety of our city. Every Cleveland resident and visitor deserves to feel safe whether they are living, working, or playing in our neighborhoods,” said Chief Director Drummond. “This is our top priority, and the Department of Public Safety will continue to invest in technology, recruitment, and partnership initiatives to achieve our important community safety goals.”
“Operation Clean Sweep” was led by the Cleveland Division of Police including 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. The Division collaborated with various partners that included 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.
“Operation Clean Sweep” is a part of Mayor Bibb’s RISE Initiative – the most comprehensive violence reduction and law enforcement enhancement plan the City of Cleveland has ever seen. RISE is a portfolio of multiple key investments, partnerships and enforcement strategies, technological advancements, and other Administration-led efforts to combat high levels of crime and to improve recruitment and retention within the Division.
Since RISE was launched, the Bibb Administration hosted the City’s first-ever Public Safety Summit announcing a 50% pay increase, $5,000 sign-on bonuses, fast-tracked promotions, and other marked improvements for recruits; has increased pay up to 25% for current officers, including a substantial increase in October that made the Division’s top patrol officers the highest paid among the largest cities in the state; raised the maximum age to become a police officer; and hosted an expedited hiring event to streamline the application process. Just two weeks ago, these investments helped land a new police academy class that was larger than the previous four classes combined.
Other recent RISE efforts led by the Bibb Administration include expanding the City’s SAFE SMART CLE camera sharing program; expanding ShotSpotter technology to all five neighborhood police districts; and expanded partnerships with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Marshals Service, and other agencies at all levels for additional resources and personnel towards targeted hotspots and coordinated violence reduction tactics. These strategic efforts have produced significant, tangible results including hundreds of arrests, hundreds of gun seizures, dangerous drugs removed from the streets, numerous stolen vehicle recoveries, and several lives saved. More than 500 cameras have been integrated and nearly 1,000 more cameras have been registered – an approximate 1,300% increase – through the SAFE SMART CLE program since it expanded in July. The Administration continues to urge residents, businesses, and community partners to sign up.
Citizens are encouraged to contact law enforcement to report illegal or suspicious activity. If you have information that may assist investigators in apprehending wanted individuals or wish to report criminal activity, please call 9-1-1 in an emergency or 216-621-1234.
Those interested in becoming a police officer with the Cleveland Division of Police should contact the Department of Public Safety Recruitment Team at (216)-623-5233.
