WEST CHESTER TWP. — Voters again are being asked to boost police manpower in the township closer to the Midwest's average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 population.

        A 2.5-mill continuing levy on the Nov. 6 ballot would generate about $3 million annually and enable the department of 71 sworn officers to add five additional officers in each of the next five years.

        Chief John Bruce said West Chester, population 58,000, has 1.1 police officers per thousand residents. Passage of the levy would improve the ratio to 1.67 officers per thousand in five years — still far below the Midwest average and that of surrounding police departments.

        “It's not like we're asking for a bunch of money to buy a bunch of stuff,” Chief Bruce said.

        “This will only allow us to hire officers, pay their salaries and benefits and main tain equipment. We have not purchased a new police cruiser in two years and a lot of them are out of service and in for repair.”

        There has been no organized opposition to the issue, which narrowly failed in May — 2,551 to 2,447. A replacement levy on the same May ballot to maintain existing police services passed overwhelmingly — 3,315 to 1,770.

        Sharonville, Springdale, Fairfield, Mason, Middletown and Hamilton have a combined average of 2.06 officers per thousand, the chief said. In major crime categories — murder, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, larceny, auto theft and arson — two of West Chester's closest neighbors had far fewer incidents. Sharonville had 769 incidents and Liberty Township 527 compared to West Chester's 1,454, the chief said. Both of the other communities have smaller populations and area. West Chester covers about 35 square miles.

        “We will continue to embrace new technologies and techniques to allow us to operate at peak efficiency with fewer men,” Chief Bruce said. “We have been able to do so with fewer personnel, but the time has come” when more manpower is needed to be effective.

        If the issue passes, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $77 a year in taxes.

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