Police expand body-wrap restraint devices citywide, plus Ohio pushes cardiac screening for young athletes and central Ohioans caught in resort violence.

Good morning, Columbus. It's 29° right now, climbing to 46° under mostly cloudy skies with a 52% chance of flurries. This is Columbus-layer weather: winter coat at breakfast, hoodie by lunch.

📍 Columbus police rolling out body-wrap restraints citywide

CPD has been testing these on uncooperative suspects for a year without major injuries. If it's safer than the old hobble method, that's progress, though CPD won't say how many times they used it or what it costs.

The Columbus Division of Police is expanding use of the Wrap Safety Restraint across all patrol zones after a year of field testing. The device is a full-body cloth and strap system for people who are handcuffed but still fighting, kicking, or thrashing.

Think someone in a mental health crisis who's trying to kick out a cruiser window, or a DUI arrest where the person won't stop trying to stand up and lunge at officers. Two officers can apply it in about 30 seconds.

Sgt. James Fuqua says the department hasn't reported significant injuries during testing. The Wrap replaces traditional hobble straps, which could cause positional asphyxia and circulation problems.

The devices are now stationed in each patrol zone, with plans to eventually equip every precinct and roll them out as training continues. The department hasn't disclosed how many times the device was used during testing or the cost per unit.

It's an upgrade from a system that rightfully got criticized for years. But without knowing how often they actually used the Wrap during testing, it's hard to say whether "no injuries" means it's remarkably safe or just rarely deployed.

If injuries stay low as use expands, expect other Ohio departments to watch closely and potentially follow suit. The Wrap Safety Restraint comes from Safe Restraints Inc., a company that specializes in law enforcement equipment designed to reduce injury during high-stress encounters.

Cleveland and Cincinnati are watching. They're reviewing their own restraint policies and might make the switch.

The full-body design of the Wrap allows officers to safely transport someone in crisis without the dangerous positioning that made hobble restraints so problematic. It keeps the person's airway clear and prevents the kind of compression that led to serious injuries and deaths in other jurisdictions.

Quick Hits

• Puerto Vallarta saw a spike in cartel violence last week, and some central Ohioans got caught in it. Travelers reported being stuck at resorts with flights grounded and hearing explosions nearby. They've since returned home, but not the spring break anyone planned for.

• Ohio wants cardiac screening for young athletes. Reps from both parties just introduced a bill that would require it. With both parties backing it, this one's got legs.

• Free eye exams are coming to Columbus schools. Gov. DeWine launched OhioSEE today, targeting high-need areas like Franklin County. The program covers exams, but families are on their own for follow-up care, and that's where cost, rides, and insurance trip people up. So kids get diagnosed but might not get glasses.

Scoreboard

OSU women fought Michigan to overtime at home and came up two points short. A tough rivalry loss, but the Buckeyes were right there all game.

Ohio State Women's Basketball L, 86-88 (OT). OSU had chances to close it in regulation but couldn't find the stops when it mattered.

Michigan's offense clicked late in OT and the Wolverines made plays that OSU couldn't match. Two points is the difference between a statement win and a frustrating near-miss.

Out & About

Two Thursday options: high-end wine dinner or practical business finance help.

Mitchell's Steakhouse: Stags' Leap Winery Dinner | Thursday | Mitchell's Steakhouse | Five courses, each matched to a different Napa wine. This is the move if you've been looking for an excuse to dress up and eat and drink well on a weeknight. Expect dishes built around the wines, which means heavy on the protein and rich sauces. It's not cheap, but that's the point. Make a reservation through Eventbrite or call the restaurant directly.

Business Financials Workshop | Thursday | Columbus Metropolitan Library | Learn the basics of financial documents, how to track and organize sales and expenses, and how to use accounting software without wanting to throw your laptop. Free workshop for anyone trying to make sense of business finances, which is basically everyone who's ever tried to start something. The library's business stuff is surprisingly good, and this is a solid entry point if you're figuring out the money side of running a business. Check the library's event calendar for specific times and branch location.

On This Day

In 1917, Robert Taft Jr. was born in Cincinnati: grandson of President William Howard Taft, son of Robert Taft Sr. (known as "Mr. Republican"), and a future U.S. Senator himself. The Taft family turned Ohio politics into a three-generation affair, with each serving in Congress and wielding serious influence in their eras.

Robert Jr. represented Ohio in the Senate from 1971 to 1976, following his father's legendary career as a conservative powerhouse who lost the 1952 GOP presidential nomination to Eisenhower. The dynasty eventually faded, but for decades, if you were talking Ohio Republicans, you were probably talking Tafts.

Political dynasties are Ohio's thing. The Tafts ran the state GOP for three generations, and their conservative brand still shapes how Ohio Republicans think.

Stay warm if those flurries show up. See you Friday.

Your calm Columbus briefing.