As tensions continue to simmer in the Village of Evendale following a neo-Nazi demonstration earlier this month, officials have introduced an independent firm to investigate the actions of local police during the incident. According to WLWT, 21st Century Policing (21CP) will be reviewing the response to an event that saw armed men with neo-Nazi symbols occupy a bridge over Interstate 75 for about 45 minutes.
The firm, which includes former Cincinnati assistant police chief Jim Whalen in its team, will provide recommendations on best practices moving forward. Councilman Chris Patterson confirmed to WLWT that the cost for the review comes "just shy" of $70,000. This review process is expected to take approximately 90 days before releasing its findings.
Meanwhile, Local12 reports that some surrounding community members had called for an independent investigation into the police's approach, especially in light of the bodycam footage released by the department. The footage illustrated how officers positioned themselves between the extremists and counter-protesters, later escorting the group to their U-Haul and off the tense scene.
These events resonated within the fabric of local institutions, demonstrated by the Lockland School District's decision for early dismissal due to neo-Nazi presence on their property. Lockland Schools Superintendent Bob Longworth labeled the demonstrators as terrorists, stating to FOX19.
Despite the charged atmosphere and varied opinions on the police's conduct, State Representative Cecil Thomas, an ex-Cincinnati police officer, observed FOX19 , based on bodycam videos, that officers seemed focused on de-escalating the confrontation. As the Evendale community awaits results from 21CP’s investigation, all 16 hours of bodycam footage has been made available to the public, ensuring transparency throughout this process.
