CPC Calls for Strong Local Accountability as Consent Decree Appeal Moves Forward

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Community Police Commission (CPC) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the Cleveland Division of Police is free from bias, accountable to the public it serves, and committed to constitutional policing—regardless of the outcome of the federal Consent Decree.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s recent appeal of Chief U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr.’s decision denying the City’s request to terminate the Consent Decree means the future of federal oversight remains uncertain. While the legal process continues, the Commission believes one thing remains clear: Cleveland must continue building an accountability system capable of standing on its own.

The question facing Cleveland is no longer simply when the Consent Decree will end. It is whether the City has built the lasting systems necessary to ensure the progress made over the past decade endures long after federal oversight is gone.

In his 74-page opinion denying the City’s request to terminate the Consent Decree, Judge Oliver concluded that doing so would be “premature.” While acknowledging the significant progress Cleveland has made, the Court emphasized that the Consent Decree “is not a checklist,” but rather “a framework for systemic change.” The Court found that several critical areas—including supervision, accountability systems, bias-free policing, community and problem-oriented policing, and the operational readiness of local oversight structures—have not yet demonstrated the sustained compliance necessary to ensure reforms will endure without continued federal oversight.

The Cleveland Community Police Commission shares that concern. Real reform is not measured by whether policies exist on paper or whether benchmarks have temporarily been met. It is measured by whether those reforms become embedded within the culture of the institution, withstand changes in leadership, and continue protecting both residents and officers years after outside oversight has ended.

Ultimately, the success of police reform will not be measured solely by court filings or compliance reports, but by whether Cleveland residents—regardless of race, neighborhood, or background—continue to trust that they will be treated fairly, respectfully, and constitutionally.

In 2021, Cleveland voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 24, creating one of the nation’s strongest civilian oversight systems by granting the Commission final authority over police policy, training, and discipline. The CPC was designed to be a permanent pillar of accountability—not one that exists only while federal oversight remains in place.

Since then, the Commission has reviewed and approved police policies and training, conducted evidentiary hearings, strengthened disciplinary oversight, expanded community engagement, and continued building the systems necessary to carry out its charter responsibilities.

Judge Oliver has acknowledged the importance of the relationship between the City and the CPC and has encouraged continued dialogue regarding that partnership. The Commission welcomes that opportunity. As Cleveland prepares for a future without federal oversight, strengthening collaboration among the City, the Division of Police, and the Commission must be an essential part of that transition—not an afterthought.

Without durable systems of accountability, even well-intentioned reforms can erode over time. Cleveland has experienced that before. The goal now is to ensure history does not repeat itself.

The Commission calls upon the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Justice Department, the Monitoring Team, and community stakeholders to work together to ensure the transition from federal oversight preserves the progress made under the Consent Decree while strengthening the local accountability systems that will sustain constitutional policing into the future.

The Commission stands ready to fulfill the role Cleveland voters entrusted it to perform and to be an active partner in building the next chapter of police accountability in Cleveland.

Whether the Consent Decree remains in place for several more months or several more years, the Commission will continue strengthening its own policies, procedures, staffing, and oversight capabilities so it is fully prepared to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to it by the people of Cleveland.

“The Consent Decree was never intended to be permanent,” Executive Director Shelly Williams said. “Federal oversight will eventually come to an end. The measure of our success will not be when the Consent Decree ends, but whether Cleveland continues to uphold constitutional policing after it does. That requires strong institutions, independent accountability, transparency, and public trust. Those are the principles Cleveland voters demanded, and they remain the principles that will guide the work of the Community Police Commission.”

CPC on the Tragic Loss of a Rittman Police Sergeant

CPC Extends Condolences to Rittman Community

The Cleveland Community Police Commission extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Rittman Police Sergeant Scott Ries, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on July 5. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Christine McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, whose lives were also lost in this tragic incident.

We are keeping the four officers and K-9 injured in the line of duty in our thoughts and wish them strength, healing, and a full recovery.

The Cleveland Community Police Commission recognizes the courage and sacrifice it takes to serve, as well as the profound grief that follows when violence impacts both law enforcement officers and the communities they are sworn to protect. Incidents like this underscore the importance of strong policies, meaningful training, and continued efforts to promote safety for officers and the public alike—work that remains central to the Commission’s mission here in Cleveland.

Our thoughts remain with the Rittman Police Department, the McWilliams family, and all those affected during this difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation for Sgt. Scott Ries will be held on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. His funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday at the same location.

Judge Denies Motion to End Cleveland Consent Decree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 11, 2026

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Chief U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. on Friday denied the joint motion filed by the City of Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Justice to end the federal Consent Decree overseeing reforms within the Cleveland Division of Police.

In a 74-page ruling, Judge Oliver called the request to terminate the Consent Decree “premature,” concluding that the City has not yet demonstrated sustained and measurable progress sufficient to ensure constitutional policing reforms can be maintained without federal oversight.

The Cleveland Community Police Commission (CPC) has consistently maintained that while Cleveland has made meaningful progress over the last decade, the true test is whether those reforms are durable, institutionalized, and capable of being sustained over time.

“Real reform is not measured only by whether policies exist on paper, but whether accountability, transparency, supervision, and constitutional policing practices are consistently demonstrated over time,” CPC Co-Chair John Adams said.

In his ruling, Judge Oliver emphasized that the Consent Decree “is not a checklist,” but rather “a framework for systemic change.” While the City argued it had achieved compliance in several core areas — including use of force, crisis intervention, and search and seizure — the Court noted that other provisions of the agreement remain equally important to achieving lasting constitutional policing reforms.

The Court also raised concerns that compliance in several key areas has not yet been sustained long enough to justify ending federal oversight. The ruling highlighted ongoing questions surrounding supervision, accountability systems, bias-free policing, community and problem-oriented policing, and the operational readiness of local oversight structures.

The CPC appreciates the time and consideration the Court devoted to a decision with significant implications for policing, accountability, and public trust in Cleveland and believes Friday’s ruling provides an opportunity to continue strengthening the systems and relationships necessary to sustain constitutional policing long-term.

“This ruling gives the City, the Division of Police, and oversight bodies the chance to continue building a system the public can genuinely trust,” CPC Co-Chair Sharena Zayed said. “The goal should not simply be to end federal oversight, but to ensure constitutional policing has become embedded within the culture and operations of the department itself. The Consent Decree should end because Cleveland has truly earned that trust — not because enough boxes have been checked.”

The CPC remains committed to working collaboratively with the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Monitoring Team, the Office of Professional Standards, the Civilian Police Review Board, and community stakeholders to strengthen police accountability systems and ensure the City is positioned for long-term success.

“Civilian oversight should not be viewed as an obstacle to progress,” Co-Chair Zayed said. “It is part of the infrastructure that helps build legitimacy, accountability, and public confidence. We all share the same goal: a safer Cleveland where residents and officers alike can thrive under systems that are fair, transparent, and trusted by the community.”

The Court has scheduled a status conference for June 4, during which parties are expected to provide updates on several outstanding issues, including the City’s relationship with the CPC and ongoing efforts to strengthen local accountability systems.

Like always, the Commission’s focus remains on building effective and sustainable systems of accountability — not institutional conflict. While disagreements may arise throughout the reform process, the CPC remains committed to collaboration, mediation, and productive solutions that strengthen civilian oversight, build public trust, and advance constitutional policing in Cleveland.

The CPC hopes to continue working closely with the City and all stakeholders moving forward, including being meaningfully included in future community outreach and public safety discussions related to the Consent Decree and the future of police accountability in Cleveland.

CPC Distributing $1 Million in Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/30/25

The Cleveland Community Police Commission has selected 41 local nonprofit organizations to receive grant funding for programs centered around restorative justice, violence prevention, and mediation—efforts aimed at reducing the need for police intervention. In total, the CPC will distribute more than $1 million in grant funds this year, fulfilling one of the requirements outlined in Charter 115-5.

This year’s grantees include a mix of first-time recipients and previously awarded organizations, with grant amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Violence prevention programs—which use evidence-informed strategies to address trauma, increase opportunity, and transform the underlying social and economic conditions that lead to violence—are the most represented, receiving 29 of the 43 total grants, followed by restorative justice and mediation programs.

Restorative justice programs provide space for those harmed to reclaim their power and voice, while giving those who caused harm the opportunity to confront the consequences of their actions and break cycles of harm. Mediation efforts, on the other hand, bring together individuals, organizations, or communities to address conflict through structured, community-driven dialogue—allowing participants to define their own outcomes with support from trained facilitators.

R.O.A.D. GOLD INC. is a violence prevention program aimed at reducing the likelihood of reoffending, offers Class B CDL training to returning citizens. The $35,000 grant it received will help purchase equipment such as simulators and updated software, giving participants the best chance to obtain their licenses and move forward with their lives and embark on a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career.

“I’m thankful for the CPC and for them using the United Black Fund,” Founding President Dale Snyder said. “Without them, grassroots organizations such as mine would not have been able to access these funds.”

The United Black Fund will soon organize a mixer for all the grantees to meet and learn about the next steps as they enter into contract with the City of Cleveland. The CPC will send out an invitation as soon as the date and time are confirmed.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

New CPC Interim Executive Director Sworn Into Office

7/10/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Cleveland Community Police Commission is under new leadership. Attorney Alix Noureddine was sworn in as the Interim Executive Director at City Hall on Wednesday, July 9th.

Mr. Noureddine initially joined the CPC in March as an attorney.  Mr. Noureddine  provided legal guidance and counsel to the Commission on a wide range of issues tied to its mission. In May, at a special full Commission meeting, the CPC unanimously voted to appoint him as Interim Executive Director for one year or until a permanent hire was made. The Commission later amended the term to six months—on the recommendation of the Mayor’s Office—while keeping the option open for Mr. Noureddine to apply for the permanent position.

A proud Northeast Ohio native, Mr. Noureddine earned his juris doctor, magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2014. His public service record includes positions with the City of Cleveland Heights, where he served as both a prosecutor and civil in-house attorney, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

While with Cleveland Heights, he worked directly with both the community and law enforcement, regularly advising the Chief of Police on strategies to address persistent criminal activities, while ensuring that individuals’ constitutional rights were always safeguarded. That experience has equipped him well for his new role leading what is widely regarded as the most robust civilian police oversight body in the nation.

“The work of the CPC is essential not only to strengthening community safety, but also to supporting officers by promoting accountability, building trust, and fostering meaningful partnerships,” Noureddine said. “While my role with the Commission has changed, my commitment remains the same: to help advances its mission and contribute to the progress still ahead.

The CPC has been without an Executive Director since November 1, 2024, when former Interim Executive Director Jason Goodrick’s appointment expired.  Although Mr. Goodrick maintained his leadership position after the expiration of his interim term, he stepped down from his leadership role with the CPC in May and assumed a new position within the City. Co-Chair Sharena Zayed expressed confidence in Mr. Noureddine’s ability to guide the Commission through this transitional period.

“I fully support Alix Noureddine being sworn in as interim Executive Director of the Cleveland Community Police Commission,” Zayed said. “His years of experience in municipal law and his willingness to step into leadership when needed make him a strong fit for this important role.”

The search for a permanent Executive Director is already underway. The City has posted the position and partnered with a hiring firm to review applications and identify qualified candidates for interviews with a selection panel.

The CPC is committed to transparency and will continue to share updates on the hiring process as they unfold.

For any questions or comments, Interim Executive Director Alix Noureddine can be reached at ANoureddine@clevelandohio.gov.

Remembering Officer Jamieson Ritter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/4/25

As we mark the anniversary of the tragic loss of Officer Jamieson Ritter, this time weighs heavily on our minds and hearts. It is a moment to pause and reflect on his service, his sacrifice, and the impact he had on our city. This time of year will always be one of remembrance, gratitude, and continued resolve.

One year ago today, we lost Officer Ritter in the line of duty while he was serving our community. The 27-year-old had served on the force for four years and, just a month before his passing, was honored by the Cleveland Police Foundation with the Police Officer of the Month award.

Even without a conviction in his case, Ritter’s family continues to hold onto hope for justice — and the CPC stands with them in seeking closure and change.

“Justice for us is public safety,” Jon Ritter told Fox 8 News. “Public safety. Number one. When society becomes so brazen this becomes almost normal, not only are your officers not safe, your entire community is not safe.”

The Cleveland Community Police Commission is committed to building stronger, safer communities by improving the relationship between the Cleveland Division of Police and the people it serves. Our goal is to help foster trust, accountability, and collaboration through clear, thorough policies and training.

Currently, the CPC’s Policy Committee is focused on revising the General Police Order related to vehicle pursuits. This updated policy will better define when officers may engage in high-speed chases — with the goal of minimizing unnecessary risk to officers and the public.

Officer Ritter’s death was a devastating loss. We honor his memory by working toward a safer Cleveland for everyone — officers and community members alike — and ensuring that our public safety systems are rooted in responsibility, care, and justice.

UBF Releases Grant Award Finalists

The Budget and Grants Committee voted on Monday, June 23, to advance the United Black Fund’s list of 2024 grant finalists to the full commission for a final vote on Wednesday, June 25. Click here to view which programs remain in consideration for the CPC grant and how much money they’re expected to receive. Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the CPC office. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

CPC Prepares to Distribute Grants

The Community Police Commission is on track to begin distributing its 2024 grants by the end of June.

The Budget and Grants Committee will meet next Tuesday, June 24, to review the final list of grantees selected by the United Black Fund, which the CPC contracted last year to manage the grant cycle from start to finish. If there are no objections, the committee will vote to present UBF’s list of finalists to the full commission at its meeting on Wednesday, June 25. A majority vote by the full commission would authorize UBF to move forward and begin awarding grants to the selected organizations.

The funds will support programs focused on community-based violence prevention, restorative justice, and mediation—initiatives designed to reduce the need for police involvement.

Both meetings will be held at the CPC office from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Agendas and supporting materials will be posted to the CPC website at least one day in advance. Paper copies will be available upon request.

Once the commission approves the final list of grantees, UBF will contact the selected organizations and invite them to an informational session covering next steps and compliance requirements.

We’re excited to see the impact these grants will have across our communities this summer and look forward to reviewing even more applications for the 2025 grant cycle, which will open up later this year.

If you have any questions, email us at clecpc@clevelandohio.gov