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City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls July 2, 2013 Timeframe for hiring new police chief

In recent weeks we have witnessed an alarming uptick in violence on Cincinnatis streets. I write today to urge you to expedite the timeline for hiring a new police chief. Last night I attended the vigil with residents, victims and loved ones impacted by the two recent Kennedy Heights homicides. Residents across the city are rightly concerned that we quickly address the rash of violence in our streets. We must move more quickly to find the best replacement in this critical leadership role in our police force. Easy access to guns, drug abuse and gang turf wars have led to the increase in violence and retaliation taking place on our streets, endangering innocent citizens and threatening the security of our neighborhoods. Citizens deserve a safe community now. I have confidence in our police department and believe with strong leadership at the top, we can better address the scourge of violence. Your recent announcement about the community screening committee that you have assembled said that interviews will begin July 19. I urge you to move to fill this position before summers end if not sooner and ask that you update City Council on the status of the hiring process before our August meeting.