Local Township Faces Diminished Police Protection: What This Means for Harrison Township Residents
The peaceful community of Harrison Township, Ohio, is grappling with a significant shift in law enforcement support. As of April 1, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has announced that it will only respond to emergency calls, leaving the residents of this rural township to navigate a daunting new reality.
The Changes in Police Coverage
The End of an Era for Local Law Enforcement
For years, the sheriff’s office has provided essential policing services to Harrison Township without financial compensation. According to Steve Brickner, a resident, the situation is less than ideal. “Roads are a problem; traffic is a mess.” As the voice of many residents, Brickner expresses a desire for consistent patrols to enhance community safety. Unfortunately, effective immediately, the sheriff’s office will cease regular patrols, meaning responses will only occur for ongoing crimes, injury-related accidents, or homicides.
The Financial Dilemma
Tom Lozekamp, the chairman of the Harrison Township Board of Trustees, has pinpointed the critical issue: budget constraints. “We just don’t have the money. It’s just not there,” Lozekamp stated. The township’s refusal to sign a contract with the sheriff’s office stemmed from a potential annual cost exceeding $40,000 for the next two years, with future estimates soaring to over double that amount by 2027.
According to Commissioner Denise Driehaus, at a 2022 Hamilton County Commission meeting, the situation was not unique. Several townships, including Crosby and Whitewater, were also enjoying police services at no cost. As those jurisdictions opted in to share the financial burden, Harrison Township stood alone, leading to the unfortunate loss of regular police patrols.
Community Concerns Grow
Safety in Numbers…or Lack Thereof?
Despite the apparent risks of diminished patrols, Lozekamp expressed confidence in the community’s self-reliance. “There’s a lot of people who are concealed carry folks out here,” he said. While this sentiment might reassure some, residents like Brickner remain uneasy. He jokingly remarked, "I got my dog, and she’s going to protect me, I guess." Many residents might share his apprehension as criminals could see this as an opportunity.
In 2024, Harrison Township recorded an average of four calls for sheriff services daily, with deputies responding to approximately half of those calls. The delay in response times averaged around nine minutes, raising the stakes for community safety.
A Community Divided on Support
While some residents support a potential tax increase to restore police patrols, previous attempts to pass mill levy increases have failed. As Brickner noted, he would back a tax hike if it meant re-establishing regular patrols. However, he might not be alone in his opinion. Community sentiment is a significant factor that could influence future decisions regarding law enforcement funding.
Moving Forward: Potential Solutions?
The township is currently weighing the option of a smaller contract with the sheriff’s office for police services. However, the question remains: Can Harrison Township balance the need for safety with financial constraints?
The Sheriff’s Office Response
While the sheriff’s office did not provide an interview, they released a statement asserting that “Harrison Township can afford to pay for police services.” As the conversation surrounding community safety continues, Harrison Township must evaluate its needs against its financial capabilities, aiming for a solution that ensures the residents’ safety without compromising economic stability.
Conclusion
The loss of regular police protection in Harrison Township underscores the broader narrative of financial constraints impacting community safety across the United States. As residents grapple with this new landscape, the decisions made today will shape the future of not only policing in Harrison Township but also the overall sense of security for its residents. The community holds its collective breath, hoping for a resolution that bridges the gap between safety and financial sustainability.
