CPC Seeks Public Input on Inspector General Candidate Interviews

In the 7 weeks after posting the job application online, the City of Cleveland received over 3 dozen applications for the vacant Public Safety Inspector General position. After carefully considering their backgrounds and qualifications, 5 applicants were chosen to move forward in the interview process.

Over the last few days, CPC Commissioner Audrianna Rodriguez and Co-Chair John Adams met with four candidates over Zoom and conducted a thorough and comprehensive line of questioning; the fifth applicant rescinded their candidacy before their scheduled interview. In an effort to maintain complete transparency with the community we represent, these interviews were recorded and have been posted to our YouTube channel.

While all 13 commissioners are tasked with watching the four interviews and providing feedback and recommendations on whom the CPC should nominate for the position, we’re also asking the community to do the same. Whoever lands this job will play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the Cleveland Division of Police, and this is your chance to have a say in who that could be.

We encourage the public to watch every interview and submit their thoughts and comments by completing our survey. In addition to the interviews, please also take a moment to review the candidates’ resumes and work histories. Tell us who you think could step into this role comfortably and excel in executing the responsibilities and duties of the Public Safety Inspector General—a critical position for upholding public trust, ensuring constitutional policing, maintaining institutional integrity, and implementing best practices in reform within the Department of Public Safety. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of public safety oversight within our city, and the commission will consider your responses before making a formal recommendation to Mayor Justin Bibb.

If you’re unable to complete the survey online, we invite you to stop by our office at 3631 Perkins Ave. to fill out a physical copy or attend the special full commission meeting on September 19th to share your thoughts on the candidates in person before we take a final vote.

We hope you’re as impressed with these consummate and exemplary professionals as we were.

Cleveland Community Police Commission searching for new commissioners

At the end of this year, the Cleveland Community Police Commission will be saying goodbye to nine of our dedicated commissioners. Shandra Benito, Pastor Kyle Early, Cait Kennedy, Gregory Reaves, Teri Wang, and Sharena Zayed will all have served two-year terms, which are set to expire in December. Charles Donaldson, Alana Garrett-Ferguson, and Jan Ridgeway have chosen to resign from their roles before the completion of their four-year terms, which were set to expire in December 2026.

We want to thank all exiting commissioners for their hard work and commitment to creating equitable police policies that protect all Cleveland residents. In the nearly two years since they were appointed, they’ve tackled everything from use of force to community surveillance and unlawful search and seizure. Even so, the CPC has hardly scratched the surface when it comes to monitoring and creating new standards for the Cleveland Division of Police.

Now, it’s time for a new cohort of commissioners to join Co-Chair Dr. John Adams, James Chura, Audrianna Rodriguez, and Piet van Lier as they build upon the CPC’s work thus far. The city is accepting applications through Friday, September 6. Applicants must be Cleveland residents and at least 18 years old. They must also fulfill one of the criteria below:

Be, represent, or be knowledgeable of, as applicable, the issues of those who are:

  •  Limited-English speakers, homeless, or who have mental-illness and substance-abuse disorders
  •  Directly impacted by police violence, or be a family member of a person who has been killed by police
  •  Been incarcerated and exonerated where police were involved in the wrongful conviction or incarceration
  •  Gun-violence survivor or be a family member of a person killed by gun violence
  •  Attorney with experience representing victims of police misconduct or criminally prosecuting police misconduct

Current commissioners whose terms end this year are welcome to reapply; they will be subject to the same rigorous application process as anyone else. After receiving community feedback, Mayor Justin Bibb will recommend individuals to fill the open positions. Cleveland City Council will issue final approvals.

For more information on how to apply to become a commissioner for the CPC, visit the City of Cleveland’s website. We look forward to welcoming all the new faces, perspectives, and voices.

Public Notice: Performance and Evaluations Committee rescheduled for 9/03/24

Please be advised that the Police Promotions and Evaluations Committee meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 27th, will now take place on Tuesday, September 3rd. As always, this meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

CDP Line of Duty Death 7-4-24

For Immediate Release:

The Cleveland Community Police Commission expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the officer who tragically lost their life in the line of duty on July 4th, 2024. This heartbreaking event reminds us of the immense dedication our officers demonstrate daily as they work to protect our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this loss.

In these difficult times, it is crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who serve while also reaffirming our commitment to public safety and community well-being. We stand united with the Cleveland Division of Police in seeking justice and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to promote trust, accountability, and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.