Background
Following an investigation in 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) engaged in practices that violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The DOJ determined that there was a pattern of excessive force and that operational and structural issues within the CDP contribute to this practice. Read the DOJ’s report here.
The City of Cleveland and DOJ entered into a Consent Decree, or Settlement Agreement, which requires the Cleveland Division of Police to make a number of fundamental changes to its policies, practices and procedures to address these issues. A federal judge oversees and enforces the Consent Decree to ensure that the City of Cleveland and CDP complies with the changes outlined in the document.
Read the Document: US v City of Cleveland Consent Decree (pdf)
The United States of America and the City of Cleveland are committed to ensuring that police services in Cleveland are delivered in a manner that is constitutional, effective, and consistent with community values, while preserving officer and public safety. To further these goals, the Cleveland Division of Police (“CDP”) and the Cleveland community must have a strong relationship that is built on mutual trust and respect. The provisions of this Agreement are designed to bolster this relationship and ensure that it endures.
- US v Cleveland - Consent Decree - May 26, 2015
Sections Covered in the Consent Decree
The below list serves as a general breakdown of the main sections of the Consent Decree. See the CPC’s recommendations, reports, and statements issued in each of these areas.
Helpful Resources
Citizen's Guide to the Cleveland Police Consent Decree
With a Special Focus on Implications for Children and Young People
This helpful guide was created by the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University specifically for young people interested in the police reform process in Cleveland and how they may be impacted by these efforts, as well as those who may be interested in becoming involved to ensure a successful reform effort. The Citizen’s Guide does not outline every detail of the 110- page Consent Decree, so it is recommended to read the full Consent Decree document for further details.
Read the Citizen’s Guide to the Cleveland Police Consent Decree (pdf)
Role of the CPC and the Cleveland Community
The Community Police Commission (CPC) was mandated under the Consent Decree to provide input on recommendations for police practices that reflect the values and priorities of the many diverse communities that make up Cleveland. Ongoing community input into the way police services are delivered is crucial to strengthening police-community relationships that is necessary to promote public safety.
We encourage the community to take an active role in the reform process with the CPC to develop policy recommendations that better reflect your values and expectations. Here are ways to get involved.