The head of the Cleveland police union says the consent decree the city signed with the U.S. Justice Department is impractical and dangerous. M.L. Schultze of member station WKSU in Kent reports.
“This document is going to get police officers killed.” :03
That’s Steve Loomis, the head of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, after he’d had a chance to digest the more than 100-page consent decree that will govern use-of-force policies and practices, as well as training, complaint procedures and civilian oversight of the Cleveland force.
Among the sections Loomis found most objectionable are requirements for police to document when and why they pull their weapons.
“The question is: Do do you want us to be police officers, do you want us to provide safety and security for the community, or do you want us to be part of a national and very, very political discussion. If you want us in the office doing paperwork, we’re going to oblige you.” :15
Both the city and Justice Department – which found systemic problems in the police department—maintain the agreement will make officers and the community safer by rebuilding trust and giving police more training and other resources.
