Cleveland to Apply for State Grant to Support Violent Crime Reduction

Cleveland is moving forward with a plan to secure state funding aimed at lowering violent crime rates through specialized policing strategies. City Council has passed emergency legislation, identified as Ord. No. 613-2026, which authorizes the Director of Public Safety to apply for and accept a $272,399.58 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services. This funding is part of the FY26 Violent Crime Reduction (VCR) Grant program, a new competitive grant designed to support the prevention and elimination of violent crime using proven methods.

According to the 613-2026-Legisltive Summary- FY26 VCR Grant, the Division of Police intends to use the funds for a multi-jurisdictional approach. This strategy includes Focused Deterrence, Place Network Investigations, Hot Spot Policing, and the apprehension of violent fugitives, all supported by crime analysis and task force operations. The grant period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and requires no local matching funds. The budget for the grant is divided between $231,049.58 for police overtime and $41,350.00 for equipment, which includes computers, bumper guards, and a throwable robot. The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services acts as the state's lead justice planning agency About OCJS - Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

The ordinance has officially passed and is now part of the city's active legislative record. Residents can monitor future city budget updates and Department of Public Safety reports to see how these grant funds are implemented throughout the 2026 calendar year.

Source record

File
613-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
May 7, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources