The Neighborhood and Community Media Association of Greater Cleveland is providing monthly reports on a series of community conversations about the 2015 Consent Decree negotiated between the US Department of Justice and the City of Cleveland regarding the policies and practices of the Cleveland Police Department.
By Rich Weiss
Have you ever wondered: “How is the dedication to community engagement reflected in the Cleveland Police Department’s current budget?”
Do you have a handle on: “What is the CPRB (Civilian Police Review Board) and what is its function?”
In the moment — when you or a loved one comes face-to-face with Cleveland Police Department policies — will you know: “Are body cameras used by all officers, and what is the protocol for turning body cameras on and off?”
These were just a few of the questions from community members who attended last month’s virtual public meeting, which was sponsored by United Way Cleveland and the Cleveland NAACP on the 2015 Consent Decree mandating reform of the Cleveland Police Department.
The March meeting, the third in a public monthly 10-part series that began in January and runs through November, focused on Cleveland Police Department accountability, transparency, and oversight.
The series sponsors view broad citizen engagement — input, suggestions, concerns, and questions — as vital to the success of the community dialogue, and are encouraging all citizens to attend and participate.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 at 6p. The main topic will be citizen complaints and the Office of Professional Standards.
To learn more, or to attend an upcoming meeting, click here to register for the April and or May 12 sessions.
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Rich Weiss is vice president of the Neighborhood and Community Media Association of Greater Cleveland and publisher of The Tremonster.
