BY ANNE MICHAUD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Campaigners for a police computer levy are frequently frustrated in their efforts to capture voter attention. So they have come up with a moving new campaign message: Thank a cop.
With two Cincinnati police officers killed in the line of duty in December and a third seriously wounded in February, citizens have gone out of their way to make police officers feel appreciated. Supporters of the police computer levy known as CLEAR suggest citizens also vote yes for Issue 7 on the ballot Tuesday.
"It will keep the early warning system in place and save lives," said Richard Pope, Mariemont police chief.
Voters rejected the property tax levy in November by a small number of votes.
The 0.29-mill levy would raise $4.3 million a year for five years to replace law enforcement equipment.
That's on top of $4.5 million a year CLEAR now receives as a permanent levy.
The new tax would raise the annual payment on a $100,000 home from $6.66 to $15.15.
Here is how the CLEAR operation, which is part of the Regional Computer Center, would spend the new levy:
- $2.98 million to replace an automated fingerprint information system that is near capacity and is not compatible with state or FBI systems.
- $794,500 to replace the county coroner's computer system.
- $2.96 million to add a document imaging system, which would store warrants, mug shots and other information.
- $4.34 million to upgrade the mobile data terminal system and replace the terminals in all police vehicles. Police use the terminals to check criminal histories of people they stop.
- $1.33 million to replace personal computers in the 53 participating law enforcement agencies.
That adds up to $12.4 million.
The levy would raise roughly $21.5 million over its five-year life. CLEAR Director Tom Russell said the difference will be used for operating costs.
The agency will be working to reduce its dependence on tax dollars before the levy expires, Mr. Russell said.
He said he will explore inviting police agencies in other Ohio counties, Northern Kentucky and eastern Indiana to join the network for a fee. He is also looking into federal grants.
To demonstrate broad support for the tax, leaders of the local Republican and Democratic parties, Mike Allen and Tim Burke, have teamed up to star in radio ads.
