FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2026
Media Contact:
Louisa Tavlas
Vice President of Communications
ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
Washington, DC – The Niskanen Center today applauded Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Representatives Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) and Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) for introducing legislation in their respective chambers to establish a violent crime reduction grant program.
The bills–SB 425 and HB 830–would create a competitive grant program for law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing and preventing violent crime through proven, evidence-based strategies.These include concentrating resources in high-crime areas, strengthening investigative capacity, and modernizing technology. Together, these targeted investments would equip law enforcement with the tools needed to solve more cases, apprehend more violent offenders, deliver justice for victims, and improve public safety across Ohio.
The legislation also supports rigorous evaluation of funded programs, enabling researchers to identify which approaches are most effective and ensuring accountability for results.
“We must ensure that would-be offenders know they will be held accountable. said Jason Olin, Senior Government Affairs Manager for Criminal Justice at the Niskanen Center. “These bills would give law enforcement the tools and resources to do just that.We thank Senator Manning and Representatives LaRe and Brewer for their leadership in prioritizing the safety of all Ohioans.”
According to the latest available data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, most violent crimes in Ohio go unsolved. In 2023, law enforcement agencies cleared just 30 percent of violent offenses statewide, including 44 percent of homicides, 37 percent of aggravated assaults, 21 percent of robberies, and 13 percent of sexual assaults.Low clearance rates weaken deterrence—when offenders believe they will be caught they are less likely to commit crimes, while those who think they will go unpunished are more likely to do so.
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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