U.S. Department of Justice officials are expected back in Cincinnati June 18, continuing their investigation into the city's police division.

        The federal authorities neither confirm their presence nor explain what steps they're taking during a visit. But local officials and others involved in the process say they expect the government lawyers and their law-enforcement consultants to continue to analyze whether Cincinnati police adhere to patterns or practices that violate citizens' civil rights.

        Mayor Charlie Luken asked for the federal help in the wake of the April 7 fatal shooting of Timothy Thomas, an unarmed black man who was wanted on 14 misdemeanors, by Officer Stephen Roach.

        Urban Waldbillig, a long-time local advocate for mentally ill people, said federal lawyers called him back after canceling his appointment during their first visit two weeks ago.

        He wants to tell them about the improvements Cincinnati police have made in working with people who have mental illnesses. Since the 1997 fatal police shooting of escaped mental patient Lorenzo Collins, the advocates and police have worked together to develop more training for Cincinnati officers.

        “We're just starting to appreciate each other,” Mr. Waldbillig said. “I hope that happens with the black community, too. Everybody just needs to sit down and talk.”

        Lawyer Al Gerhardstein, representing the civil rights group Cincinnati Black United Front in a lawsuit alleging racial profiling, has offered the federal lawyers a list of local people they could interview next week. He said he had not heard if the lawyers want the list.

Police data scattered, error-filled
Police creating new system
Justice Dept. officials returning to investigate
Three found dead after shootout
School plan faces Supreme Court test
Gay Pride Parade today
Taft's vetoes anger GOP
Body of 4th drowning victim found
Building an agenda for HUC
About Hebrew Union College
What good are naming rights?
Kick the mob out of council meetings
Speaking to council is not a right
Wyoming High alumni visit homes of their youth
Brownfields redeveloped
Civil War comes to life in Ohio
Covington seen as 'economic opportunity'
GOP no slouch at raising taxes
Deputy Sheriff, wife shot to death
Groups promote safe boating
Local Digest
Louisville's new council map shown
'Pioneers' pitch in at Taft High School
Rare heart ailment strikes 3 horses in southern Ohio
Retired officer dies in car wreck
Set-aside proposed to fix riot damage
Warren Co. revels in past