Cincinnati's police chief Tuesday said the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal in the case of a city law restricting drug dealers from Over-the-Rhine is a “tremendous setback” to law enforcement.

Streicher

        Chief Tom Streicher talked about the issue Tuesday at an Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce luncheon..

        He said the drug-exclusion zone ordinance, which was struck down by a federal judge in January 2000, was a successful tool in reducing the flow of illegal narcotics in the neighborhood.

        The Supreme Court refused to hear the city's appeal in the case Monday.

        The zone ordinance, Chief Streicher said, also addressed a less tangible element of the neighborhood's crime problems — it's reputation. “One of the things you have to overcome on Vine Street (the main corridor through Over-the-Rhine) is its reputation that it provides drugs and prostitution,” Chief Streicher said.

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