(Plain Press January 2025) The Cleveland Police Commission issued the following statement urging those who feel their first amendment rights to peacefully protest have been violated to file a formal complaint:

     Earlier this month, at a joint community event with the Cleveland Monitoring Team, the CPC heard from at least two community members who said that CDP officers infringed on their First Amendment right to peacefully protest.

     We take these allegations seriously and implore anyone who believes they were unfairly targeted, cited, or even arrested to file a complaint with the Office of Professional Standards. This will initiate an investigation into the officers’ conduct and help determine whether or not they violated department policy.

     Anyone requiring assistance in filing an OPS complaint can reach out to us directly for help at 216-505-5920. If you do not feel comfortable filing a complaint but would like to have your experience documented, you can also reach out to us. These claims will help the CPC gain a better understanding of potential retaliatory or unconstitutional police practices and will inform us on how best to address these concerns moving forward.

     With a new commission expected to be sworn in early next year, we hope to take a closer look at these claims soon. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email or call us.