Investigation of the Cleveland Division of Police (Paperback)

The Department of Justice has completed its civil pattern or practice investigation of the Cleveland Division of Police ("CDP" or "the Division"). We have concluded that we have reasonable cause to believe that CDP engages in a pattern or practice of the use of excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. We have determined that structural and systemic deficiencies and practices-including insufficient accountability, inadequate training, ineffective policies, and inadequate engagement with the community-contribute to the use of unreasonable force. Our investigation under the Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. § 14141 ("Section 14141") focused on allegations of excessive force by CDP officers. Section 14141 makes it unlawful for government entities, such as the City of Cleveland and CDP, to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights, privileges, or immunities secured...