CLEVELAND — The independent monitor overseeing reforms to the Cleveland Division of Police requested a federal judge approve extensive plans to improve the oft strained relationship between police officers and the citizens they serve in the city.
In a motion filed Thursday, Matthew Barge asked U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. to approve the community policing plan, a key part of planned reforms in the consent decree the City of Cleveland signed with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015.
Barge said the plan is “an important, much-needed document that sets out necessary organizational changes and new expectations” for the city’s police force.
The plan requires patrol officers to spend significantly more time building positive relationships with citizens during their shifts. The plan also says the city will track the amount of time officers spend making community engagement efforts.
The community policing plan has been in the works for more than two years. It was created after the monitoring team held several meetings to solicit public input.
Barge also recommended the court sign off on plans to improve the hiring and recruiting process and related to district policing committees in two additional motions he filed yesterday.
Cleveland has already implemented other key policies required by the consent decree, including training officers to deal with mental health crises as well as how and when officers should use force during interactions with citizens.
