CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department Downtown Safety Patrol has become a trusted presence in the downtown neighborhood, ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors. The Patrol’s efforts make a positive impact on public safety for visitors, workers, and residents from throughout Cuyahoga County who frequent our downtown.

Since its inception in 2023, the Downtown Safety Patrol has confiscated 291 illegally-possessed firearms, 65 of which were connected to other violent crimes, including felonious assaults and homicides. In addition, the deputies of DSP have made 103 felony arrests and confiscated $197,489.50 tied to illegal drug sales.

When requested, the Downtown Safety Patrol goes far beyond the footprint of downtown, deploying to municipalities county-wide to provide assistance. The unit plays a critical role in keeping large-scale events safe, providing crowd management, traffic control and tactical assistance to municipal law enforcement agencies prior to, during and after events. Their efforts include securing parades, concerts, sporting events, and festivals. The Patrol regularly deploys to communities across Cuyahoga County to provide mutual aid and bolster city resources, securing events like Home Days, church festivals, and high school sporting events.

Dismantling the Downtown Safety Patrol would risk public safety and undo the meaningful progress the Sheriff’s Department has made in building trust and maintaining stability across the County. The proposed legislation is a threat to public safety, an affront to the autonomy of the sheriff department, and conflicts with our community’s goal for a healthy and safe Cuyahoga County.