Safety Committee, March 6, 2024

The Cleveland City Council Safety Committee meeting on March 6, 2024, focused extensively on public safety initiatives, particularly addressing illegal dumping, gang and narcotics enforcement, firefighter health, and gun violence detection technology. Key procurement-related discussions included the authorization of grants: approximately $19,124 from the Kaga County Solid Waste District to support the Environmental Crimes Task Force combating illegal dumping; a $142,074 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services to fund the Cartel Gang Narcotics and Laundering Task Force; and an $82,400 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for firefighter cancer and behavioral health screenings. The committee also discussed the operational status and costs of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which costs roughly $500,000 annually for its expanded coverage, and debated its effectiveness and community impact. Members requested detailed data on grant expenditures, arrests linked to ShotSpotter alerts, and camera system coverage and maintenance. The meeting included public testimony expressing concerns about ShotSpotter's racial bias and effectiveness. The committee emphasized the need for increased police staffing, better technology deployment, and community engagement to address crime and safety challenges in Cleveland.