Cleveland moves to end federal police oversight
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Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Justice jointly filed a motion Thursday asking a judge to terminate more than a decade of federal oversight of the police department.
Why it matters: This could be the end of the consent decree. The 2015 settlement agreement set out to reshape how local police use force, investigate misconduct and interact with residents.
- Closing this chapter would return full oversight to local officials and test whether reforms can last without outside supervision.
What they're saying: "Today, reforms in Cleveland are self-sustaining, compliance has become culture, accountability is locally embedded, and local oversight remains," Mayor Justin Bibb said in a statement, noting that federal oversight was never designed to be permanent.
- In fact, the agreement was initially designed to last only five years.
Flashback: Cleveland entered the decree in 2015 after a 21-month DOJ investigation found a pattern of excessive force and unconstitutional policing.
- The probe followed high-profile incidents, including the 2012 crosstown chase and shooting that ended with 137 shots and the deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams.
The latest: In a report filed in federal court this month, the federal monitoring team found the city used appropriate force in virtually all cases reviewed, per Ideastream.
- 97% of non-lethal force was deemed constitutional, per Signal.
- And citizen complaints about use of force dropped 55% from 2018 to 2024.
Reality check: Bibb said at a press conference Thursday this is not a declaration of "mission accomplished."
- But he, Council President Blaine Griffin and the monitoring team gathered at City Hall all believe it is time for Cleveland to control its own destiny.
What's next: If Judge Solomon Oliver agrees, Cleveland's internal Police Accountability Team will assume primary oversight.
- Bibb has asked the monitor to remain for one transition year.