Cincinnati's Mixed Messages on Policing

Cincinnati's recent decisions on policing have left many scratching their heads. The city manager's choice to place Police Chief Teresa Theetge on leave was followed closely by Mayor Aftab Pureval's announcement. The mayor gave the green light for police to enforce low-level crimes. This seems contradictory. It looks like the mayor was holding the police back before. Why the sudden change? The city's streets are full of speed bumps. Some people think this is because the police weren't allowed to do their jobs properly. If the police had been given the freedom to enforce all laws, maybe these speed bumps wouldn't be needed. It's a classic case of too little, too late. Politics might be playing a role here. With Election Day just around the corner, the timing of these decisions is suspicious. Is the mayor trying to win votes by suddenly supporting the police? It's hard not to wonder. The city needs clear, consistent leadership. Mixing messages and playing politics with policing won't solve any problems. It's time for the city to make up its mind and stick to it.