Problem Solving
What is Problem Solving?
Problem Solving was adopted by the community, police, and other City departments as part of the Collaborative Agreement. Otherwise known as Problem-Oriented-Policing (POP) or Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP), it is a policing strategy that encourages the identification of events that repeat despite traditional police responses. These are called problems. Using a strategic and data informed process called SARA (Scan, Analyze, Respond, Assess) we look to learn more about why problems repeat and develop more effective solutions. Problem Solving engages the community in real partnerships with police to make neighborhoods safer and healthier.
Link to CPD's Problem Solving Guide
Do all police departments use Problem Solving?
Probably not. Many agencies say they are community oriented, but not all departments embrace problem solving. CPD is community-oriented, but we don’t stop there. We seek community partnerships to solve problems together.
Why not just arrest people who commit crimes?
Arresting offenders is an important function of the police. Problem Solving does not replace arrests, 911 responses, investigations, or any other traditional police function. Successful Problem Solving can reduce the need for calls, investigations, and arrests where problems are prevented. This saves critical resources and prevents harm to citizens. Problem solving is often used in conjunction with typical police responses, with the goal of more effectively preventing future crimes and other problems.
Does Problem Solving work?
Yes, but not always. Effective problem solving is scientific. It is thoughtful, evidence-based, and outcome oriented. It allows us to measure effectiveness, to consistently adapt toward more effective responses, and to learn from failures so that we continually improve public safety services in Cincinnati.
See more on the effectiveness of problem solving
Propose a Problem Solving Project
If you are thinking of a problem that is not currently underway, and you would like CPD to work with you to solve it, please click here to submit your idea.
Cincinnati Police Department Problem Solving Projects
2025
2025 Open Problem-Solving Projects
For more information or to get involved in any of these open projects listed below, click the “Learn More” or “Get Involved” icons.
Central Business Section:
1 – Violence and Disorder at the Banks
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Lisa Dotson
District One:
2 – Violence and Drug Activity near Stanley Row Towers and Poplar Street
3 - Public Order Problems near Green Street and Republic Street
Project Supervisor: Sergeant George Jason
4 – OTR Breaking and Entering
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Chris Bihl
District Two:
5 – Drug Market Activity and Violence in Walnut Hills
6 – Stanbery Park
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Linda Sellers
District Three:
7 – East Price Hill Thriving Neighborhoods/Warsaw Corridor
8 – Crowds, Disorder, and Mt. Echo Park
9 – Northside Graffiti and Vandalism
10 – Camp Washington Homeless
11 – Villages of Roll Hill Gun Violence
12 – District Three Park Initiatives
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Jacob Hicks
District Four:
13 – Violence and Quality of Life Issues in Winton Terrace
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Jeff Meister
Joint/Special Projects:
14 – Residential Burglary in CUF & Coryville (Districts One and Four)
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Chris Bihl
15 – Theft from Auto in Downtown and OTR (CBS and District One)
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Lisa Dotson
16 – OTR PIVOT
17 – West End PIVOT
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Michelle Longworth
18 – Cadet Program (Youth Services Unit)
19 – CITI Camp (Youth Services Unit)
Project Supervisor: Lieutenant Herman Hill
20 – STEM Bike Program (Community Relations Unit)
Project Supervisor: Sergeant Stewart Isaacs
2024
Central Business Section
1.) Youth Violence and Disorder in the City's Center
- 2025 Herman Goldstein Award Submission
2.) Violence and Disorder at The Banks
District One
3.) Commercial Break-Ins in Over-the-Rhine
- 2025 Ohio Crime Prevention Association Project of the Year
- 2025 Neighborhood Summit Presentation
4.) Crime and Disorder at OTR Senior Center
5.) Violence and Drug Trafficking Near John Street Market
6.) Reducing Violence Along Main Street
- 2024 Neighborhood Summit Presentation
District Two
7.) Drug Activity and Disorder in the 3500 & 3600 Blocks of Montgomery Road
8.) Homelessness and Disorder in Stanbery Park
9.) Thefts from Autos in Evanston and Walnut Hills
District Three
10.) Disorder and Violent Crime in Bahama and Hawaiian Terrace
11.) Heroin Overdoses in East and West Price Hill
12.) Violence Near Legacy Lounge
13. Problem Behavior at a College Hill Care Facility
District Four
14.) Violence, Drug Sales, and Mental Health Concerns in Winton Terrace
15.) Gun Crimes and Crowd-Based Disorder Near Red Room Lounge
16.) Violence, Crowds, and Street Takeovers Near Brandy's Lounge
PIVOT Squad (in partnership with District One)
17.) Reducing Shootings in North OTR - OTR PIVOT
18.) Disorder at an OTR Bus Stop
19.) Open Air Drug Trafficking at an OTR Intersection
20.) Shootings Near a West End Market
Community Relations Unit
21.) Violence and Disorder in McElvoy Park
Youth Services Section
22.) Disorderly Student Crowds at Aiken High School
Police Executive White Papers
23.) Reinvesting in Community Problem-Oriented Policing: Captain Richardson
24.) A Review of Early Warning Systems: Captain Weyda
25.) Gun Crimes - Increased Frequency and Lethality: Lieutenant-Colonel Hammer