Applications due by April 30
The city of Cleveland is now seeking applications for the new Cleveland Community Police Commission. Applicants must submit their application to join the new Commission, which will have increased oversight of the Cleveland Division of Police by April 30, 2022.
Commissioners must be Cleveland residents and represent the racial, social, economic and cultural diversity of the city. As outlined in the new city Charter provisions passed by citizens' initiative last year, three members may be representatives from police associations, at least two members must come from community organizations focused on civil rights, and at least one member must be an attorney or have relevant lived experience of the criminal justice system, mental illness or homelessness.
“We’re proud to open applications for 13 members of the new Commission, who will be carefully selected following a fair and rigorous application and evaluation process. This is one of the most important steps in the process to implement police reform, which will serve as a model for the nation on strengthening citizen oversight,” Mayor Justin Bibb said in a written statement announcing the opening of applications. Bibb was the only major mayoral candidate to favor the citizens' initiative, Issue 24, last year.
The strengthened 13-member Commission will have the authority to make decisions on discipline for police misconduct, oversee and update police recruitment and training and make policy recommendations on processes and procedures.
“The new Commission has real teeth with new disciplinary powers to stamp out misconduct. This is not about targeting police officers; it’s about setting a higher ethical standard in our police department to create a culture of respect and accountability. Residents should feel safe and assured that calling the police won’t escalate into violence or brutality and police officers who do the right thing should not be afraid,” Mayor Bibb added.
The new Community Police Commission will launch once a majority of members are appointed to four-year terms, replacing the existing Commission. Applications are due on or before April 30, 2022 and will be screened for eligibility based on criteria outlined in Charter Section 115-5 with community input before Mayor Bibb makes recommendations to City Council for approval.
Residents are encouraged to apply to join the new Cleveland Community Police Commission by submitting an application at https://mayor.clevelandohio.gov/police-reform
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