By William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies were deployed on foot patrol in downtown and Over-the-Rhine Monday - for the first time in the law enforcement agency's history.

Sheriff Simon L. Leis Jr., and County Commissioner Todd Portune outlined the new patrols of the downtown "county campus area" at an afternoon press conference.

The foot patrol initiative by the county - one of the major employers in downtown and Over-the-Rhine - is part of the county's effort "to act as a responsible neighbor," Mr. Portune said.,

"This will become a permanent new beat for the sheriff's office,'' said Dave Schaff, assistant to Mr. Portune, "It's a landmark. The sheriff's office has never patrolled downtown."

The patrols are one facet of the "county campus" concept introduced by Commissioners Portune and Tom Neyer Jr. in June. The program is designed to enhance the environment and spark redevelopment of the north edge of the Cincinnati business district and the south edge of Over-the-Rhine, where many county buildings are located. The area includes the Justice Center, County Administration Building, Courthouse, The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Great American Ball Park, and the Job and Family Services building.

E-mail bweathers@enquirer.com