The Weekly Briefing
Your fast roundup of the week’s biggest public safety stories
Premeditated Attack: Deputy Killed in Cincinnati
A Hamilton County (OH) sheriff’s deputy was intentionally struck and killed by a man whose son—armed and fleeing from a stolen vehicle—had been shot by Cincinnati police the day before. Prosecutors say the attack was calculated and premeditated, and are seeking aggravated murder charges.
More context: The father, Rodney Hinton Jr., was distraught after reviewing police body cam footage of the shooting.
Inside Real-Time Ops: Fairfax County Opens RTCC
Fairfax County Police opened up their 24/7 Real-Time Crime Center to outsiders for the first time. Positioned near the Chief’s office, this hub offers instant access to live incidents and adds a virtual layer of officer safety.
Mission: "Our mission is simple," said Capt. Hudson Bull: Solve crime quickly. Support critical incidents. Protect officers.
Record Low Homicides in Baltimore
Baltimore reported just five homicides in April — the fewest since 1970. Clearance rates rose to 76.9%.
However: Leaders stress that even one homicide is too many and are doubling down on violence prevention efforts.
Columbus Homicides Hit Historic Lows
Columbus reported just 16 homicides through April 28 — the lowest in at least 15 years.
Trend alert: This mirrors national drops in violent crime. See Jeff Asher’s national crime analysis here.
Facial Recognition Authorized in Austin
The Austin Police Department received approval to use facial recognition technology after a violent crime spree by the same suspect.
Note: The use complies with city policy limiting it to imminent threats and urgent public safety cases.
Milwaukee Mulls Mugshot-for-Tech Swap
Milwaukee police are considering swapping 2.5 million mugshots for access to facial recognition software. Officials said the technology alone could not be used as probable cause to arrest someone and the only authorized uses would be when there's basis to believe criminal activity has happened or could happen, or a threat to public safety is imminent.
Debate: Officials argue the move could help solve crimes faster, though privacy advocates are raising concerns.
Cocaine Pipeline Surging Globally
Colombia’s coca crop is booming — now producing 3,000 tons annually, 8x more than in 2012. “We have better yields because the technology and the science are better,” according to one farmer.
Enforcement challenge: Rising supply will test law enforcement worldwide.
Terrorism Arrests in England
UK police arrested eight men, including seven Iranians, in unrelated terror plots. Last year, the head of MI5, Ken McCallum, said that since 2022, it had responded to 20 plots backed by Iran, which presented "potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents."
Key point: These cases underscore the persistent threat of international terrorism.
Major Cities Chiefs Tap First National Security Advisor
Thomas Galati, former NYPD Chief of Intelligence, has been named MCCA’s first-ever National Security Advisor. “Ensuring national security is of paramount importance, and we are thrilled to have Tom join our team in this critical capacity,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the MCCA
Mission: Galati will work to unify intelligence efforts and strengthen real-time response across major agencies.
Trump Executive Orders Target Sanctuary Cities
President Trump signed new executive orders seeking to bolster state and local law enforcement with better pay, cast-off military equipment and free legal support while also punishing so-called "sanctuary" states and cities with criminal investigations and the threatened loss of funding.
Bottom line: Federal funding could be cut for cities that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement and jurisdictions targeted with potential criminal investigations.
Boldly Go Podcast — Episode 2 Now Streaming
Bold conversations on policing, leadership, and the future. The latest episode involves a real-life Viking talking about “electrical combatives” as a new way of training. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Crypto Kidnappings Turn Violent
French police are investigating violent kidnappings targeting crypto investors. In one case, a victim had a finger severed during ransom demands.
Trend to watch: Violent organized crime is expanding into the cryptocurrency space.
Officers Shot and Killed: 2025 Update
According to the National FOP, 109 officers have been shot so far this year — a 21% decrease from 2024. However, 12 have died and ambush attacks remain a serious issue.
Perspective: Violence against law enforcement remains an on-going threat despite falling numbers.
Officer Down: Deputy Brandon Sikes Killed
Columbia County (GA) Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot and killed while serving a domestic violence protective order.
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