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.
The Solution: What Happens Next for Police Oversight in Cleveland? Panel Discussion
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
Office of Inspector General Gives Presentation at Full Commission Meeting
A Response to President Trump’s Executive Order
The Community Police Commission is committed to constitutional policing that ensures the safety of everyone, from people in the city’s most marginalized and vulnerable communities to the police officers sworn to protect us.
Our community has made progress, but much remains to be done. Now, President Donald Trump’s executive order to review all ongoing Consent Decrees will put that progress at risk. It’s time for everyone in our community, including Mayor Justin Bibb, to stand firmly against this unprecedented federal action.
Mayor Bibb has called our community’s safety his “number one priority,” and vowed to ensure that systemic changes made within the Cleveland Division of Police would continue even after he left office.
When the City of Cleveland entered into its Consent Decree agreement with the Department of Justice 10 years ago, our elected leaders acknowledged that there was work to be done to protect residents’ constitutional rights. As evidenced by the Cleveland Police Monitoring Team’s most recent report, the City has made significant strides in its efforts to correct problems in areas such as use of force and accountability. However, after reviewing the Monitor’s findings, the CPC found that Cleveland is approximately 45% compliant with the Consent Decree overall, just a 3% percent increase since 2023.
“Undermining the Consent Decree now would be a disservice to all Clevelanders,” said CPC co-chair John Adams. “While the decision to end the agreement is ultimately up to Judge Solomon Oliver, weakening or removing Department of Justice oversight would create a barrier to reform.”
The president’s order will impede citizens’ rights by abandoning important guidelines and parameters that keep officers accountable for their actions. While the CPC would continue its vital work to ensure constitutional oversight and the implementation of Consent Decree principles, via Charter 115-5, ending federal oversight now would be premature. It would also leave room for the backslide of police policies that were meant to reconcile the harm that affected so many families at the hands of police violence.
Mayor Bibb and other elected officials must listen: Cleveland is bound to the Consent Decree for a reason. CPC expects Mayor Bibb to stand up to this administration and make it clear just how important Cleveland’s Consent Decree is to the future of the city he has been elected to lead.
We encourage everyone to reach out to Mayor Bibb’s office and the Department of Justice to ask them to keep Cleveland’s Consent Decree in practice as it is written.
If we all come together, we cannot and will not be ignored.
Call to Action: CDP Must Fully Investigate Officer Misconduct Allegations
CLEVELAND – As discussions arise about ending the Cleveland Division of Police’s (CDP) Consent Decree, the Cleveland Community Police Commission (CPC) has identified alarming gaps in accountability related to serious internal complaints, including bias, harassment, workplace violence and retaliation.
Paragraph 176 of the Consent Decree mandates that all allegations of officer misconduct—whether internally discovered or reported by civilians—must be fully, fairly, and efficiently investigated. Findings must be supported by evidence, documented in writing, and result in appropriate disciplinary action. However, recent findings indicate these standards are not being met.
- In March 2023, then-Interim Monitor Ayesha Bell Hardaway reported that the City had failed to appropriately handle at least three internal complaints making prima facie allegations of bias, harassment and/or retaliation, with two languishing in the Human Resources Department for over two years and one ignored by CDP command staff.
- In March 2024, the CPC identified potential missing records related to bias, harassment, and other serious complaints while reviewing personnel files for police commander candidates. The CPC paused the recommendation process to ensure all necessary records were obtained before making these critical appointments.
- Subsequent discussions revealed that serious 2022 bias allegations against Interim Second District Commander Timothy Maffo-Judd were sent from the CDP to Human Resources but never investigated.
- City officials were unable to provide clear answers on how these internal complaint investigations are processed or how records are maintained.
- In response, the CPC submitted a records request for all internal complaints from 2019 to the present related to bias, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, hostile work environment, and workplace violence.
- The request revealed 40 or more open investigations spanning six years, many of which appear to have never been investigated or resolved. Due to the identified record keeping issues the CPC is uncertain if this is a full accounting of all these types of complaints. Some recent complaints since the problem was identified in November have moved forward. The CPC received only one complaint from 2022 and none from 2023.
- At least one of these cases resulted in a 2.5-million-dollar settlement in 2023. There is no evidence that anyone involved in this incident was disciplined.
The CPC recognizes that these officers have a right to due process and that allegations are not proof of misconduct. When complaints are sustained, we want officers to be held accountable. When they are not, we want exonerated officers to be freed of the dark cloud of allegations. These findings raise serious concerns about the City’s ability to uphold the principles of the Consent Decree and maintain accurate records. The CPC is committed to ensuring full transparency and accountability in police oversight and calls for immediate corrective action to address these failures. In addition we request a full and complete audit of the quality of these investigations by the Monitoring Team.