WEST CHESTER TWP. — Township police cruisers continue to be visible outside the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati along the west side of Interstate 75, and their presence will continue for the near future.

        While threats to the center have abated since the days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, concerns still exist, Township Police Chief John Bruce said.

        The chief said police intelligence, phone threats, and officers' observations of people in the area still indicate a need to continue a visible police presence at the center south of the I-75 Tylersville road interchange.

        “After Sept. 11, we had police there every day ... and, we incurred about $3,000 in overtime during that first week. After that, we were able to adjust shifts and assignments to eliminate overtime and still keep police (at the center). Now, we have cut back. But we do not want to tell anyone when we are there or when we aren't,” the chief said. A cruiser is parked there 24 hours a day, he said.

        “We are sworn to provide police protection to our community and this falls under our duties,” the chief said.

        Service to the rest of the community has been unaffected, the chief said.

        Karen Dabdoub, spokeswoman for the Islamic Center, said “police are here as a precaution. They do not like the alternative ... It's cheaper to do preventative (policing) than to wait for something to happen and pick up the pieces.”

        Chief Bruce said “seven or eight” telephone threats were investigated.

        Police arrested Adam Feld, 39, of Symmes Township, the week after the terrorist attacks in connection with two threatening calls made to the center and traced to his house. He was charged with telephone harassment and inducing panic.

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