The Cleveland Community Police Commission submitted its Bias‐Free Policing Recommendations Report as a part of the city's consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department.
The 107-page Bias‐Free Policing Recommendations Report breaks down comments, both positive and negative, from residents from many different racial and cultural backgrounds.
That feedback along with independent research from other U.S. police departments is how the Cleveland Community Police Commission drew up its recommendations.
According to the report, if the CPD has a liaison in specific communities, including Muslims, it could help build trust and better communication.
Committee Chair, Former Lt. Governor Lee Fisher says one of the most important recommendations is having all officers receive continuous in-service training in the areas of diversity and being aware of unconscious attitudes and beliefs.
“Cleveland is one of the most diverse communities in the nation,” said Fisher. “It is one of our strengths but it makes the job of the police that much more challenging because they to better understand who they are dealing with and what technique with one person may not work with another.”
The police department and City of Cleveland will now review the report and then submit a response back to the commission.