Mayor Justin M. Bibb and Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd recently unveiled the results of Operation Northern Harvest, a two-month, multi-agency initiative targeting violent crime in Cleveland, according to an announcement on the City of Cleveland's official website. The operation, which ran from October 15 to December 15, netted 338 felony arrests, the seizure of 300 firearms, the recovery of 130 stolen vehicles, and the confiscation of 65 pounds of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with $303,980 in U.S. currency.
As a part of the comprehensive RISE initiative, Cleveland has seen increased recruitment and retention in the Division of Police, with Mayor Bibb stating, as obtained by the City of Cleveland's website, "We had two main objectives when we launched our RISE initiative two years ago – improve recruitment and retention within the Division of Police and enhance our law enforcement operations" and these results reflect real progress they also underscore the ongoing battle against crime, according to the city's website. Indeed, the initiative has led to a 356% increase in police hiring and a 49% decrease in attrition over the past two years, with significant pay raises and benefits improvements for recruits and current officers, signaling a robust shift in the division's dynamics.
Operation Northern Harvest is not the only success under the RISE banner. Chief Todd pointed out that the partnership with the community and various levels of government has resulted in establishing the new Crime Gun Intelligence Center in Cleveland and implementing multiple operations that have made marked decreases in crime rates since RISE's inception in 2023, as reported by the City of Cleveland's website. Furthermore, Cleveland has launched an "All-of-Community" approach to crime-fighting, aiming to involve the broader community through various programs and initiatives.
Statistics reflect a city that is experiencing a tangible turnaround, homicides have decreased by 37%, robberies are down 20%, grand theft of motor vehicles has dropped 20%, felonious assaults declined by 21%, burglaries have lessened by 13%, and rapes have fallen by 10% when comparing pre-RISE and post-RISE implementation periods, showcasing the far-reaching impact of strategic law enforcement and community engagement this indicates that prevention initiatives and policing reforms might indeed be paving a path toward a safer urban tapestry. Chief Todd emphasized that while efforts have yielded significant results, the pursuit of safety is a relentless charge, and Cleveland remains dedicated to the cause, as shared in the city's announcement.
For those looking to contribute to the city's improving safety landscape, CDP has scheduled another expedited hiring event on January 9 through 11, 2026 – interested parties may pre-register online or contact the Recruitment Unit for more information. This continues the trend of increasing police presence to maintain the momentum of these crime reduction strategies and the public safety initiatives heralded by the RISE program.
