CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $50,000 through the latest round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program to support efforts to prevent and investigate violent crime in south central Ohio.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson announced the funding on April 16, 2026. The 15th round of the program distributes a total of $3.4 million to 44 law enforcement agencies across 28 counties. Since the program launched in 2021, it has awarded more than $87 million to over 200 local agencies statewide.
The grants, funded through the state’s 2026-2027 operating budget, help agencies cover investigative overtime, acquire new technology for crime reduction, conduct targeted patrols in high-crime areas, and implement other public safety initiatives.
Governor DeWine stated that local law enforcement agencies continue to develop innovative approaches to combat violent crime. He noted that their use of advanced technology and tactics contributes to making Ohio communities safer.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office will use the $50,000 to bolster ongoing public safety services focused on violent crime prevention and investigation. This award adds to recent state support for the agency, including more than $174,000 in drug enforcement and substance abuse prevention grants announced in March 2026.
The Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, provides local departments with flexibility to address violent offenses as defined under the National Incident-Based Reporting System, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This funding reflects continued state and local collaboration to enhance safety in Ross County and surrounding Appalachian Ohio communities.
Residents with information about violent crime or suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. For non-emergency matters, the public can also reach out through official tip lines or the agency’s website.
