Lt. Col. Cindy M. Combs
Strategic Development Bureau Commander
This bureau, commanded by an assistant chief, is responsible for: Management of data collection, retrieval, and dissemination emphasizing a focus on effective responses to crime trends and patterns; upgrading and maintaining technology and information systems; Internet and intranet webpage management; and crime analysis/mapping to provide a geographical information system for recording and managing resources. Additionally, this assistant chief’s position serves as the liaison for the Police Department to the City of Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center, responsible for dispatching calls for police and fire department service. The bureau strives for effective and efficient deployment of resources based on sound and proven analytics.
DATA INTEGRATION SECTION (DIS), commanded by a captain, assists and supports all levels of the Department in planning, installation and utilization of information technology. This section also oversees the collection, storage, and distribution of data. DIS achieves these functions through the combined efforts of the Fusion Center, Tactical Planning Unit, Problem Solving Unit, Project Coordination Unit, Technology Management Unit, and Records/Telephone Crime Reporting Unit (TCRU). The section commander reports findings for effective responses to compound problems, patterns, and trends to the Police Chief and represents the Department at information technology related meetings.
Fusion Center, supervised by a sergeant from within the Terrorism Early Warning Group, is comprised of a team of local, county, state, federal and private sector jurisdictions determined to combat potential terrorist activity. The Fusion Center’s mission is to facilitate effective terrorism related information gathering and intelligence sharing, working with and supporting local, state, and federal governmental agencies, public and private sectors, and the citizens of Ohio. The Fusion Center serves as a secure central fusion process for the collection, evaluation, analysis and dissemination of terrorism related information. Working as partners with the Federal Department of Homeland Security, the Fusion Center maintains the capability to monitor, prevent, and respond to potential threats.
Tactical Planning Unit (TPU), commanded by a lieutenant, engages in planning and preparation for critical incidents, including terrorist threats and civil disorder. TPU fulfils its planning and preparation responsibilities by acting as a liaison with businesses, organizations, and government agencies, training Department and City personnel, and acquiring and deploying new strategies and equipment.
Problem Solving Unit (PSU), commanded by a lieutenant, is responsible for coordinating the Department’s efforts in the application of problem solving methodologies. The unit transforms raw information and data into intelligence for police deployment and to facilitate tactical, strategic, and administrative decision making. PSU acts as a liaison between external and internal sources of information regarding issues affecting both local and regional law enforcement. This unit coordinates the collection, processing, and dissemination of relevant data throughout the Department. Additionally, this unit coordinates training for district crime analysts, reviews new information sources for possible use by the Department, and coordinates Department wide reports for use by the command staff. PSU operations are supported by the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)/CrimeStoppers.
Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) / Crime Stoppers, supervised by a sergeant, collects data from various information sources then analyzes and processes the information into actionable intelligence. This intelligence is used for real-time investigation of crime as well as follow-up support for criminal investigations. The squad monitors the neighborhood camera systems and administers the Crime Stoppers program. Crime Stoppers is a multi-jurisdictional program which provides citizens with a mechanism to anonymously offer clues and tips for solving crimes and locating wanted persons in exchange for a cash reward.
Project Coordination Unit, commanded by a lieutenant, researches best practices in problem-solving efforts for effective responses to compound problems, patterns, trends, series, and sprees. This unit not only addresses crime concerns in small geographic locations but analyzes these issues in a broad context as they affect the Greater Cincinnati Area.
Technology Management Unit (TMU), commanded by a lieutenant, assists and supports all levels of the Department in planning, installation and utilization of information technology, including the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) projects. It is responsible for fulfilling the computer and technology needs of the Department, including business computers, networking, application services and related functions. This unit also coordinates and serves as a focal point for the communications between the Internet worldwide community and the Police Department.
Records / Telephone Crime Reporting Unit, directed by a lieutenant, receives, reviews and maintains most criminal offense reports, auto accident reports, and related records. This unit is responsible for maintaining the Department’s computerized criminal and traffic court dockets, court information sheets, and statistical reports. This unit processes traffic violation citations, Ohio Crash Reports, and applications for firearm transfer and registration. All public records requests are coordinated by this unit. This unit also receives and processes minor complaints and offense reports by telephone to the Department.
