A city councilman wants to add 75 officers to Cincinnati's police force, at a cost of more than $3.5 million.

        Councilman John Cranley said that would put three extra beat officers in every district, 24 hours a day.

        “We have a moral duty to take immediate action to stop the killings,” Mr. Cranley said, referring to the city's spike in violent crime. Mr. Cranley, a Democrat appointed to council in December and running to retain the seat this fall, will submit his proposal when council re-convenes next month. It's unclear how much support it has.

Cranley

        Councilman Pat DeWine, a Republican, said Mr. Cranley's plan amounted to a budgetary issue.

        “I think it's great that the Democrats on council are finally starting to understand the need for law enforcement and basic city services,” he said.

        “But if this is going to be more than an election year ploy, they're going to have to get serious about cutting spending in non-essential areas.”

        Mr. Cranley said he's willing to do that, starting with a $29,000 “sister cities” program.

        “It's a good program,” Mr. Cranley said. “But I'd rather hire another police officer.”

        Under Mr. Cranley's plan, most of the money would come out of the almost $6 million returning to the city from the canceled plans to move the U.S. Postal Service to Bond Hill.

        Mayor Charlie Luken said the Cranley proposal was “on the right track.”

        But he said funding a continuing expense like police officers' salaries from a one-time savings was “dangerous” if the city couldn't fund the positions in the future.

        Mr. Cranley delivered his proposal on the steps of City Hall Friday. Three other Democratic candidates — Akiva Freeman, David Crowley and Lawra Baumann — stood behind him.

        Also supporting the plan were leaders of several neighborhood groups, including Jim Williams of the College Hill Forum.

        “A police presence, whether they're arresting people or just being there, will deter crime,” Mr. Williams said.

        Keith Fangman, president of the Fraternal Order of Police union, said the proposal was “long overdue.”

        He said the police force of 1,020 officers has been on a decline since the late 1970s, when budget cuts forced layoffs and a hiring freeze.

Ticketing shortfall pinches budget
Winning big isn't ticket to paradise
Adding 75 police slots proposed
Bargains abound at Sayler Park
South Cumminsville blooms anew
Council clerk clocks out
Football team scores uniforms
Private school debut delayed
Urban board has to meet in the open
$100K is OK with 5-number lottery winner
Fest shows musical taste
HOWARD: Neighborhoods
MCNUTT: Warren County
Norwood officer up for hearing
Tristate A.M. Report
UC pay offer: Merit but no across-the-board
City cable to air political ads
Commandments stay for now
Pilot dies in plane crash
Suspect says he killed 6
Two arrested in boy's fatal BB shooting
Baby's mother comes forward
Covington police chief to retire
EKU names woman president
Keating disbarred in Ky.
Ky. man shoots wife, kills self
Latonia groups converge at intersection to honor Korean War veterans
Meetings to detail water system sale
N. Ky. GOP searching for accord