Cleveland Leaders Urged to Invest in Public Safety Tech Before Summer Crime Spike

R.L. 'Bob' Render III calls for proactive solutions to address seasonal crime patterns

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a security camera lens or license plate reader against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the use of public safety technology to address crime.Targeted public safety technology investments could help Cleveland get ahead of seasonal crime surges and promote safer neighborhoods year-round.Cleveland Today

In a guest column for Cleveland.com, R.L. 'Bob' Render III, president of the East 128th Street Block Club Association, is urging Cleveland city leaders to prioritize investments in modern public safety technology before the typical summer crime surge. Render argues that tools like real-time crime centers, live video cameras, and license plate readers can help law enforcement respond faster and potentially prevent escalating incidents, especially in neighborhoods facing longstanding disparities.

Why it matters

Cleveland has seen encouraging decreases in crime during the winter months, but history shows that warmer weather often brings a seasonal spike in burglaries, home invasions, carjackings, and other violent incidents. Render believes proactive technology investments now can help the city get ahead of this recurring challenge and improve quality of life for all residents, workers, and visitors year-round.

The details

According to city police statistics, Cleveland homicides increased five times from February to July 2025 while shootings doubled during the same time frame. Render argues that the 'appropriate surveillance technology' can support community-driven efforts to identify common threats and work with law enforcement to maintain neighborhood safety. He says these tools are 'not a replacement for community policing, but they are a force multiplier that help officers to do their jobs more efficiently and safely.'

  • Cleveland typically sees a seasonal rise in crime as the weather warms up.
  • From February to July 2025, Cleveland homicides increased five times and shootings doubled.

The players

R.L. 'Bob' Render III

President of the East 128th Street Block Club Association in Cleveland and precinct committeeman in Ward 6.

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What they’re saying

“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

— James Baldwin

“If we truly want safer, thriving neighborhoods, and a city of choice, we must invest in community-driven solutions and the tools that support effective policing.”

— R.L. 'Bob' Render III, President, East 128th Street Block Club Association

What’s next

City leaders in Cleveland must collaborate with community stakeholders to educate the public on how public safety technologies can be used responsibly and transparently to build trust and ensure these tools are implemented properly.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for Cleveland to take a proactive, year-round approach to public safety, leveraging modern technologies as force multipliers to support community-driven efforts and effective policing, especially in neighborhoods facing longstanding disparities.