New collaboration intended to deter crime and create a safer downtown environment.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel and Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond announced that the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office and Cleveland Division of Police are collaborating on plans to enhance safety in the downtown neighborhood and entertainment districts. The downtown area has seen an increase in violent crime and overall criminal activity, making this partnership a crucial component for crime deterrence.

“We are committed to making sure our residents feel safe in Cuyahoga County,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “We value our partnership with the City of Cleveland, and our Sheriff’s deputies are ready to support the Cleveland Division of Police. There is an increased need for patrols and visibility to deter crime and make the downtown environment safer for residents, workers, and visitors.”

“I am extremely grateful for Sheriff Pretel and his entire department for their assistance as we collectively work to combat the heightened levels of violence in our city. Our forces are stronger together than ever before,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “We are committed to using every tool available and will continue to leverage other regional partnerships, a key component of RISE, to ensure that we are stopping at nothing to keep our community safe.”

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office will dedicate staff to assist the Cleveland Division of Police with patrol and traffic enforcement throughout the downtown area. Law enforcement officers will be strategically deployed to maximize resources and provide increased visibility – with the goal of deterring criminal behavior and improving security.  

“I am assigning a team of eight deputies, one Sergeant, and additional resources to assist the Cleveland police patrolling the downtown core,” said Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel. “This collaboration will put a much-needed focus on deterring crime and building trust.”

"Safety is the number one priority of the Cleveland Division of Police," said Chief Drummond. "Adding Sheriff's Deputies to the patrol section will greatly amplify our ability to secure the downtown and entertainment districts. I am confident that this partnership with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office will be a lasting and effective collaboration."

Safety is the number one priority of law enforcement, and the public is encouraged to help when and where they can. When policing is a partnership, community members are the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious and illegal activity. 

• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. 
• Call 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies. 
• Anonymous information can be provided by calling CrimeStoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-25-CRIME or by submitting a tip online.

Residents and businesses who own cameras can also help by registering or integrating them with SAFE SMART CLE – the City’s camera sharing access program. Registration is free, takes less than 60 seconds, and is done through a secure online portal. By signing up, residents and businesses directly contribute to increasing safety in their neighborhoods.