A reduction in arrests since the indictment of a Cincinnati police officer for shooting an unarmed African-American suspect has officials wondering whether the trend means police are hesitant to do their jobs.

        Arrests averaged about 65 a day this week, compared with 85 last week, according to statistics from Hamilton County's pretrial services office. Population in the county's jails also is down — to 1,682 Friday, compared with nearly 100 more 10 days before. Prosecutors and public defenders have noticed lighter caseloads.

        Chief Tom Streicher said Friday he could guarantee any reduction in statistics was not an organized slow down. But he said it wouldn't surprise him if some of his 1,020 officers were hesitant to make arrests now.

        “Everyone's pounding on

        them,” he said. “You don't hear a lot of people saying Cincinnati police officers are doing a good job right now, which they are. It's human nature for them to react to that.”

        Chief Streicher cited other factors that might contribute to the reduction in arrests: some officers still are working 12-hour shifts assigned specifically to watch for un rest to pop up; officers are assigned to different jobs, such as walking beats in Over-the-Rhine, rather than posts that would produce more arrests.

        “The division's more in the mode of crisis management right now,” Chief Streicher said. “We're more focused on addressing any concerns that come up. We're trying to restore good relationships with people who were affected by the riots.”

        Lou Strigari, Hamilton County public defender, said Friday 62 new arrests came through municipal court — about 20 fewer than usual. His lawyers' caseloads are down about a third, he said. The reduction has allowed his staff to catch up on other work, he said.

        Fraternal Order of Police President Keith Fangman said officers are still answering all radio runs, but are afraid to do much proactive policing. He cited not only the indictment Monday of Officer Stephen Roach, but also:

        • The January indictments of Officers Robert “Blaine” Jorg and Patrick Caton in the Nov. 7 death of Roger Owensby Jr.

        • The federal lawsuit alleging racial profiling.

        • The ongoing federal investigations of both the entire police division and the six SWAT officers accused of firing beanbags into a reportedly peaceful crowd.

        “They're afraid of being fired or indicted,” he said. “They're afraid of incurring financial devastation because of legal bills.”

       Marie McCain contributed to this story.

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