NYT: Cleveland Police Accept Use of Force Limits in Justice Dept. Deal
At a time when the Obama administration has bemoaned the lack of data surrounding the use of force by police, Cleveland has agreed to document every time officers so much as unholster their guns. Police supervisors will investigate the uses of force in much the same way that officers investigate crimes.
A Cleveland police officer at a protest on Saturday after another officer was found not guilty on manslaughter charges. Credit Ricky Rhodes/Getty Images“A fundamental goal of the revised use of force policy will be to account for, review, and investigate every reportable use of force,” the agreement says.
The rules prohibit officers from using force against people simply for talking back or as punishment for running away. Pistol whipping is prohibited, as is firing warning shots, the agreement says. The city has agreed to allow an independent monitor to track its progress. If the city does not put into effect the changes called for in the settlement, a federal judge has the authority to demand them.
More: Cleveland Police Accept Use of Force Limits in Justice Dept. Deal